Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 412) (1885 06 16)
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SIGH LH EDITION, — =a = Len ie ‘ BOLL “lS we | . > ) r = j_ : : : A. ee mp Bt LWZ, f oy ‘am —— , w > \ A (ye cal incl \ UREA, AMEE MO X. OFS Co Dr _ | lta a ~ 2 to et ul % us Sat 2 ae S $2.50 a year, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, June 16, 1885. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XVI. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 412, Sntiond THE WILD YACHTSMAN: or 128 cRUise o te WAR-c1oUD, BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “‘MERLE THE MUTINEER,” ‘“‘ MONTEZUMA, THE MERCILESS,” ‘“‘THE SEA DESPERADO,” ETC., ETC., ETC. TT ann a il I hi i = > SS ~ SS. TRO SN
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bao which stam The Wila ‘Yachtsman. The Wiid Yachtsman: The Cruise of the War-Cloud. A Companion Story to ** Isodor, the Young Conspirator,” and ** The Boy Insurgent.”? Being Ro- mances of the Cuban Revocutions, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER If. THE BEAUTIFUL REFUGEE. “On, Duke! must I give you up, too?” The one who uttered the words looked up into the face of the man whom she addressed, with an expression that was pitiful in its sadness. The two stood upon the piazza of a small cot- faze house, situated CEC the beautiful shores of obile Bay, a few miles away from the city of that name. A full moon was rising in a cloudless sky, and its rays fell full upon their earnest faces. The house was a pretty one, with an air of cemfort akin to luxury about it, and surrounded by beautiful grounds in which were flowers in- numerable, orange trees, ornamental hedges and here and there a majestic live-oak. The grounds led to the smooth white drive that bordered the bay, whose waters cast their spray almost up to it. An inlet formed a harborage before the cot- tage, and therein, besides a small sloop-rig pleasure-craft and several row-boats, lay at anchor a handsome schooner-yacht of sixty tons burden, the hull being painted white, and re- lieved by a band o¢ crimson from stem to stern. The beautiful bar tugged restless!y at her anchor, as though impatient to fly away over the blue waters, while upon her deck were her crew of a score of men taking it leisurely, and emjoying the beauty of the night. An officer was pacing the quarter-deck, a cigar between his teeth, and ever and anon he would pause and look at the rising moon, as though it carried him back in memory to some seene that he loved to have linger with him. Amidships a negro, with white-linen cap and him as the cook or ‘Doctor’ was singing in a clear tenor some plantation melody, at the same time accom- panying himself upon the banjo, and when he was thus engaged the hum of conversation among the crew ceased, showing their apprecia- tion of his music. } ‘But to return to the cottage, and those who stood upon the piazza, in the ‘proad halo of the moonlight. " ‘The one was oung man, scarcely over twenty-seven, and his tall, elegant form was clad ina suit of white flannel, a sea uniform, for there were gold bands upon the sleeves, bars upon the shoulders and brass buttons. A cap of white duck, encircled by a gilt band, and witha gold anchor in a wreath in front, lay upon the veranda railing near, thus leav- ing his light-brown waving hair free, and it was worn ra long. His ‘face was fearless, and as frank, cheery and noble in expression, as it was handsome in feature. The one who had addressed to him the words that open this story, was a maiden of eighteen with eyes so large, black and expressive that they seemed hardly human. Her face was darkly bronzed, but the com- Jexion perfect and soft as velvet, the mouth with crimson lips, and pearly teeth even and perfect, while her form was a model of the arm of the young sailor, as he s graceful symmetry. Diamonds sparkled in her ears, and two rings, one a large solitaire, the other a blood- red ruby were worn upon the third finger of her left hand, and which was placed li ae upon y her side. i She too was dressed in pure white, a soft ma- terial that fell in graceful folds about her, while a Spanish scarf, or vail fell upon her shoulders, her fair being fastened to a chased silver comb in her inky Jack hair. , answer to the question asked him by the maiden, the sailor answered; ae “Bstrella, | have always sympathized with Cuba, suffering under the brutality of Spanish soul, I am glad to give my aid to her just cause in throwing off the yoke upon her.” ‘“You served your country so nobly and well, Duke, in its late war with Mexico, that I dread rour again going into war for fear you may not ive through it. ‘*T have not forgotten how reckless you are, for my parents, my mother and myself, with a score of others, owe our lives to you, for death was staring us in the face when you so fearlessly ran down to our sinking vessel, and that fearful | night of storm took us on hoard your yacht, ‘Since that night I have loved you, Duke Crittenden, and do you wonder that I feel a dread to see you ever enlist in the service of my native island, fearing evil to you? “Do you wonder that I, who a few months ago suffered the loss of a father, garroted as a Cuban insurgent, saw my mother’s heart_ break under the shock, had my beautiful home laid in ashes, and now, a fugitive in the United States, with my boy-brother already enlisted in Cuba’s cause, and with the ban of outlawry and death put upon him by Spain, do you wonder, I say, that I hate to see you too go from me to join in the cruel struggle that must come? ‘*Oh, Duke! it is a bitter, bitter blow for me to have you go, and yet, asa true Cuban girl I must give you up, hope for the best, and nurse my sorrow in solitude, while I offer up prayers night and morning for God to keep you and my brother Isodor from harm. “Go, Duke, I am calm now, and Heaven pro- tect you!” She had spoken in passionate earnestness, this beautiful Cuban girl, a refugee in a foreign land to her, with only a few faithful slaves about her, coos gg one near whom she could claim as kin- dred. A short distance away, in a little cemetery near the restless waves of the bay, that sung continually a dirge, lay her father, murdered in Cuba by Spanish command, ay, by the com- mand of one of Spain’s officers who had sought her love and hand. Risking his life to do so, her brother, a boy in years, had sailed in a little yacht, with his crew of slaves, and snatched by night their father’s body from an ignominious grave, bearing it to the shores of Mobile Bay for burial. Never would he have escaped, but for the | courage of Duke Crittenden, the young Ameri- can yachtsman, who had been cruising near, and seeing him chased by a Spanish craft, had pro tected the little vessel because it bore the Amer ican flag. He had found in the youth one whom he had met before, when he sayed him, with others from a sinking packetsship nearly two years previous. : He had heard his sad story and gone to the little refugee home upon the American shores, and meeting again the beautiful Estrella had soon learned to love devotedly one whom he had never forgotten, as she had ever remembered the handsome young American who had risked his life and vessel to serve those who were stran- gers to him then, In New Orleans, only a few weeks before the scene of parting upon the piazza of the cottage, Duke Crittenden had resented the insult to young Isodor Christobal, by Spanish officers who sought to get possession of him asa Boy Insurgent, and bear him away to Cuba for exe- cution, for their vessel then lay in port. A double duel had followed, upon the deck of the yacht Red Belt, and the Spanish Lieutenant De Garmo had fallen at the fire of the young American, while Isodor disarmed his midship- man adversary, and spared his life. Loving the’ sister, devoted to the brother, Duke Crittenden, a West P oint graduate, a gal- lant officer in the war with Mexico, a wealthy young planter-yachtsman, had given up his commission and cast his lot: with Cuba, being made a colonel in the command that the Insur- gent Chief, General Narciso Lopez, was then organizing to land upon the coast of the Ever Faithful Isle to raise the standard of revolt against Spain. Vith Isodor, her brother, then away upon secret service for the cause, and Duke Critten- den, her lover, about to sail on a dangerous ex- pedition, her mother and father lying side by side in the little cemetery near, and to be left alone in her grief, it was no wonder that Es- trella Christobal felt a.dread of coming evil, and when her handsome lover, bade her farewell, that she threw herself upon the velvet ass of the lawn and sobbed as though her heart would break. | There her mulatto maid, Buenita e to officers and soldiers, and now that I love one of'| her, spoke consoling words, and led her. nto. the daughters, as I love you, with my whole | cottage and) + but not until Estrella had turn pe Oe ——————— cast one long look upon the white sails of the Red Belt, flying swiftly toward the Gulf, bound upon her mission of desperate peril, CHAPTER II. ON BOARD THE WAR-CLOUD. In the beautiful harbor of Pensacola there la at anchor, in the fall of 1850, the time of whic I write, a craft that had attracted universal at- tention among landsmen as well as seamen. She was modeled as gracefully as a swan, had good depth, was razor-like forward, lean in stern, and carried masts that towered to a vast hight and which were rather bowed forward than raking, which latter was at that time considered the thing for all rakish-looking vessels. Her spars were very Lop. Geng slender, there was great width between the masts which en- abled her to spread a large foresail; hér top- masts were remarkable in their length, givin her the chance to put a field of canvas aloft,an her bowsprit ran out like a needle many feet over her bows. The shape of her hull caused her to present the least possible resistance to the water, while her high bulwarks would ward off heavy seas. Aft there was a poop-deck, forming the cabin, which was large and furnished neatly and with every comfort. Her space between decks was roomy, and no crew could complain of their quarters there, She had been launched but a few days and she was in perfect trim, her sails being snowy white, her spars glistening like silver, and the brass work about her appearing like pure gold. She was fitted with every convenience that could possibly be needed, and altogether was as trim and beautiful a little schooner as ever had been seen in American waters. One oddity about her was that her name was illustrated upon her stern, for it had been most artistically painted, representing a wild mid- night sea, with a black cloud flying above it, and from its inky depths were issuing vivid, darting penning. In gold letters beneath this really artistic | marine painting were the words: ‘““WAR-CLOUD.” Upon the boats and oar-blades the name was also painted in gilt letters, while the figure-head was the strange device of a huge cutlass, grasped in a hand, the arm of which was set in the bows, the blade pointing ahead upon a line with tle bowsprit. é Upon the deck of the pretty yacht, which was about seventy tons burden, were half a dozen seamen, with darkly-bronzed faces, and simply a sailor ge belonging to no particular nation- ality, which seemed the case also with the men themseties * they were by no means a pre- ing lot. ‘¢ Well, my young captain, ow do you fike your vessel!” asked a stout, red-faced man, com- ing out of the cabin of the War-Cloud, accom- panied by a youth of seventeen, who possessed the athletic form of a man, yet was as graceful as a woman in his movements. His face was a study, for seldom countenance so young wore look so stern, while with it mingled a look inexpressibly sad. Still it was a most winning face, one tocom- mand respect and admiration, love and fear, as it was perfect as far as beauty of outline went, and fearless to a tinge of recklessness. He was dressed in a blue flannel suit, orna- mented with brass buttons, and wore a naval cap of Panama straw, on the front of which was a gold anchor. The dark face, black eyes and hair of the youth indicated his Spanish origin, for he was a Cuban, and none other than Isodor Christobal, the brother of the beautiful refugee dwelling in the cottage home upon Mobile win “T am more than pleased with her, senor,” answered the young Cuban, addressing the stout man, who was her builder. “7 stuck square to your model, and if I say . so myself, have turned out the prettiest bit of a craft that was ever in these waters, while, on the trial trip tve took her the other day, when your friend, I forget his name—” “ «Captain Duke Crittenden,” said Isodor. “Yes, when your friend, Captain Critten- den, brought you here in his. acht, youremem= | his Red Belt, and she not half in trim either, 2s she isnow, _ ber how she walked away from while his craft is as fast as a bird. “T tell you, young ¢a » pass,” and the usiastic builder much pleased with his work as a chil new toyseln. di Mad is perfect, sir, and Iam ped as — with a in, you've got a gem | in the War-Cloud that no vessel will ever sur- glad tohave es «"t :
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_ “They shipped as first-class seamen ~paid you the sum agreed upon; but I wish I had ‘my Own crew with me to carry her to New Or- Jeans, for which port I shall ie though I sup- pose the men now on board will do for the run.” sir, and -you remember, in our race with the Red Belt last week, handled her well?” ~“ Ves, I do not doubt their seamanship; -put I do not like their looks, for they strike me vas a hard set: ‘*But it will be but for a short run, and so I will have to stand them. Can you suggest any of them to act as officers?” ‘There are two I think will do, and they pro- ‘fess to have been mates on sailing-vessels, and “may tell the truth about it; but, as you say, I edon’t like the looks of any of them.” “ How many are there, all told?” ‘Thirteen.’ ; Seek ou Americans call that an unlucky num- ‘ber “Yes, wedo so think; but two will be offi- cers, one a cook, and ten seamen, while you will smaxe fourteen, so that there will not be thirteen that sail on the yacht, sir; and, if there were, I econfess I am superstitious enough to have you discharge one, or ship another hand.” ‘Some of them are Spaniards, are they not?” “They claim to be West Indians, Irish, Eng- ‘lish, Americans, Germans, and I believe there | is a half-breed Indian among them, and a negro; but you'll have no trouble with them, for what | would they gain, as the yacht carries no valu- ables, and they will be in hopes of continuing as -her crew when you reach New Orleans,” “ All right, sir; such as they are, I accept them, so will select the two men who are to act -as mates, and set sail to-night,” and two hours after the War-Cloud was leaving Pensacola at a rapid pace, and wading out into the biue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, her boy captain at her helm, and the crew that he was suspicious of at _ their posts, and proving themselves thorough - sailors, CHAPTER III. THE SPANISH SPY. Ir was a great temptation to Isodor Christo- “bal after he had left the harbor of. Pensacola, ‘to put his helm aport and head for Mobile Bay, that he might show his new vessel to his sister, but not wishing to attract any attention to her “more than was necessary, he headed for_ the ‘mouth of the Mississippi. , we When he reached oh Orleans it was his in- ‘tention to run over to his home and take his “negro crew back with him to man tbe War- Cloud, as he had perfect confidence in their »skill and courage. Upon the yacht he had had in Cuba, when living at Villa Vista Plantation upon the coast, -and which he had wrecked to prevent the Span- iards:from capturing, he had drilled his half- dozen negro sailors to understand thoroughly all that was needed of them, and they had prov: -en themselves true as steel. ; - Bueno, his faithful servant and friend, and an American negro, whom Don Christobal pur- -chased in Havana, was a good sailor and navi- gator as well, and Isodor regretted that he had not brought him with him, to aid in running the yacht to New Orleans. Having purchased the home on the bay for his sister, and placed a certain sum at interest for her, which his father had thoughtfully sent into the United States before the crash came isodor had invested all else in the building of the War-Cloud, and with it and the cause of - Cuba he must sink or swim he well knew. Should Cuba become free, he knew well that ‘his sister and himself would be very rich, for the Don had owned vast estates there; but if not, the world was before him to struggle fora - fortune as best he could. He had offered his services to the Secret ‘Council in New Orleans, known as the Cuban _ Junta, and they had acce ted them gladly, v well his worth, and. his duties w: be running arms, munitions of war, stores, and, if need be, volunteer troops into Cuba. He knew well the dangers of such an enter- i He knew that he had to elude the alert naval authorities of the United States, who had cap- _ tured General Lopez on a former occasion, and whose duty it was to prevent the neutrality laws from Deing broken. _ _He was well aware that should he be taken. by the Spaniards he “would be quickly led to the: at the yard-arm of the | = a a Te The Wild Yachtsman. and put to death, he had told his mother the fateful story of what he had = upon, and be- held her die under the shock; he had seen his own beautiful home in ashes, and amid ‘the ruins he had knelt and registered a vow of vengeance, Such were the thoughts that crowded upon the heart and brain of the Boy Insurgent, as he stood upon the deck of his yacht, while she sped gaily along over the moonlit sea, He had re- linguished the helm to one of the two men, whom he had appointed to act as officers, as soon as he felt how beautifully she behaved un- der a touch upon the tiller. Then he entered the cabin and sat down to his lonel supper, which the negro cook had pre- pared for him. The wind was light, but steady, and the War- Cloud bowled merrily along, making five knots out of a breeze which few crafts could have got- ten over three out of. ‘*T shall run into the Delta of the Mississippi to-morrow afternoon some time, if this wind in- creases a little,” said Isodor musingly, as he sat at his supper. Above his head, looking down upon him, was one of the officers he had chosen. The moonlight fell full upon the man’s face, and showed it to be full of a certain fiendish triumph. After seeing that Isodor was not likely to come upon deck for some little while, he turned to the other mate who held the wheel and said: ‘ Boreas, I asked you to ship with me on .this craft as a little speculation.” “Yes,” was the answer in an inquiring way. “T am a little more than you give me credit for, as I intend to show you.’ ‘*T am a good listener, shipmate Binnacle.” “We are the only two Americans on the craft, and four of the gang forward I can count on, as you know, so what have you done with the others?” ‘‘T have talked with all of them, and am sure of the nigger, the Injun and three of the Diegos.” ‘*You mean the Spaniards?” “The Spanish-speaking fellows, be they Cu- bans, Spaniards or Mexicans, for I can’t tell which, and I don’t believe they know.” ‘* Well, that makes your five, my four and ourselves, which count up to eleven, and if the other two: don’t join in, overboard they go, so that will settle it.’ ‘But what would you do, Binnacle?”’ “Seize the yacht.” ‘These are not. times to turn pirate in, Bin- nacle,” “*T hain’t no fool, ‘Boreas, as you ought to know,” was the sullen remark. be bd yon seize the yacht you make a pirate of yourself.” p I don’t do no such thing.” ‘ S. ‘You don’t know, Bory, for I’m acting under orders.” ve Oh!” ‘ ‘**T knows what I’m about.” ‘* T wish you'd tell me, for I don’t want to put my neck in a rope unless I know what it’s for.” ‘Tam a spy, Bory.” ’ “ A spy?” asked the other, with surprise. “* Fact.” ‘Who are you spying on?” ** This yacht.” y “* Who for?” : The man, whom his shipmate had called Bin- nacle, stepped to the companionway and glanced down into the cabin. A ee he came back to his companion, and said: ‘* Boreas, I’ve got a great head on me.” ‘** You have, i a fact.” “T saw this yacht being built, and I saw that the owner was a Cuban.” “ee Yes. ” “T had seen about a Cuban boy doing certain wonders in the uprising in the island, and his name being a strange one, I fastened it in my mind, “* When I heard the name of this youth, I dis- covered that it was the same, and knew him to be the lad who had been making a hero of him- self in Cuba; so I put this and that together, and concluded that this yacht was being built for a Cuban blockade-runner.” " t is that?” i A bo carry arms, ammunition and men in Cuba for another revolution.” ; f You may be right, Binnacle.” agit know I am right, for though General Lo ted his fellow-Cubans were captured by a United: On States. cruiser before -they reached Cuba, and were brought back to this country, they did not give up hope, and have been work- ing like beavers to get off another expedition to the island,” **-You don’t say so, Bin?’ “*T do say so, and | know it. ‘* Now, my sympathy would be with Cuba, if it wasn’t with myself, and being in hard luck just nuw, I am feeling more interest in Binnacle than in Cubans, so I have acted accordingly. ‘** What have you done!” ‘**T just went to New Orleans, saw the Spanish consul there, told him that I knew where a craft was being built to run arms into Cuba, and that it was to be commanded by Isodor Christokal, the Boy Insurgent.” ‘* What did he do?” ‘**Do? Why he just grasped my hand, held out half a dozen gold eagles, and told me that he would give five thousand dollars for the capture of the youth, and as much more for the yacht.” ‘* That was square.” ‘*Tt was tip-top, and he gave me more gold, told me to write him, so as to post him, and that he would send me a little cash now and then to keep my eyes open as a Spanish Py ‘Well, Binnacle, you’ve doubtless posted him?” ‘You may bet I have, and I’ve got Spanish pers, to make me square with the authorities in Cuba, and I just took the idea that I would ship on the yacht, get a crew to my liking, for I knew she wanted men, as I’ve kept friendly with the builder, and then seize her upon the Gulf and run her into Havana.” ‘i But she carries the United States flag, ship- mate.’ ““T don’t care about that, for I shall run her in by night, turn her over to a cruiser, and you may swear that she'll be put down as lost at sea, going down with all on board on her first cruise, while the Spaniards will soon change her rig, so that her builder won’t know her,” ‘** But the Boy Captain?” ‘**Oh, he'll be garroted quietly.” ’ ‘*Tt’s pretty hard for him.” “Yes, as he’s a clever fellow; but I’m in Spanish service, you know, so must not let a Cuban Insurgent escape through sympathy for him.” ae *'That’s so.” ' ‘*Then I’m to get a trifle over ten thousand, and I'll give you a couple of thousand and five’ hundred apiece to our mates, so that will keep their mouths shut and make all things even.” ‘“‘Tm in for it, Binnacle, tooth and nail, from keel to truck; so when do you set to work?” ‘* Tl tell you my little plan, Boreas.” ‘*T’'m all ears.” ‘‘The young captain is to come on deck at a eight to take the first watch, as you heard him say, and I’m to take the second.” sates rae. ae “While he’s here, Pll fasten the door of the gangway, leading forward, so that he cannot open it, and when he goes below at eight bells we'll close the companionway upon him, and there keep him a prisoner until we run into Havana, for the Spanish consul said the Boy In- . eri, must be taken alive.” : ‘*T’m glad we won't have to kill him.” “So am I, for I never saw a young fellow of his years that had more sailor in him, or was as much of a man, __ *He’s game too, and would fight to the death if we had to face him, so I want none of that.” “Nor I, so_ it’s a go,” was the remark of Boreas, and Binnacle sauntered forward to bring his plot to a head with the crew. CHAPTER IV. THE MUTINY. WHEN the man Binegcle went forward amon the crew of the War-Cloud, he proved himse an adept in entering into a plot. He called first to the Indian to approach him. This man was a perfect Hercules in build, and had a face that might have been carved out of ston, for all the expression there was in it. He kept his eyes constantly looking down, but, if he raised them in his. quick way, they seemed fairly to blaze and one had the impres- sion that they looked into the depths of his heart. He had been known for some time, about Pensacola, as a sailor who never took a second voyage on the same ship, though he was a most thorough seaman, and not one of his cap had ever found any fault with him. ‘ a Though a full-blooded Indian of the Seminole - tribe, he yet bore the name of Half-breed, and - by no other was he known, or seemed to care to b ; ‘* Half-breed, I want to talk with you,” eid Mate Binnacle quietly... we “You talk, me hear,” was the response, . ..
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u Be - et as ' shoulders, the youth too a pace that won the admiration of el], - The Wild Yachtsmaa “T can get plenty of gold if I take this vessel into Havana, and sell her there.” ‘Who buy?” “The Spanish captain-general.” “ Ugh!’ ‘He will give a good price for the vessel, and gold for the young chief now on board.” “ Good !” ‘“ Will you help us to take the vessel and get some of the gold?” “Want to kill young chief?” “No, we wiil leave him to the captain-gen- eral.” ‘* He kill young chief?” ** Only too quick.” ‘Good! how much gold Half-breed get?” “The same as the rest of the crew—say, five bundred dollars.” ** Good!” You will help?” “Me help,” was the laconic reply, and Binacle walked on forward, leaving the ‘Indian, who always kept aloof from his shipmates, standing in the waist, leaning over the bulwarks. The moment that the mate walked forward amoag the men, the Indian turned, and dropped down the open hatch to the deck below. A battle lantern swung there, giving a dim light, and revealing the hammocks of the crew here and there. 'Passing quickly aft, the Indian opened a door in a bulkh and passed into a dark gang- way. ‘A ray of light came from beyond, and a second door was ajar, and it led into the cabin, by ascending several steps. It was a stout door, heavily studded with nails, and had evidently been left open for the circulation of air through the vessel. The cabin lamp revealed [Isodor seated at the table, his supper having been di of, and toying with his spoon, while his thoughts seem- ed far away. ’ The cabin was large, and well furnished, with- _ putany effort at luxury, and there was a state- room upon either side of the gangway door where the Indian stood, A low whistle caused Isodor to start, and a second one directed his eyes in the direction whence the sound came, He saw the heavy door move wy ard and then in the open space the face of the Indian ap- Instantly Isodor arose, for the red hand of Half-breed: beckoned to him, and at the same time seemed to give hima warning. “Sh! Let young sea chief stand there and hear Half-breed,” said the Indian, and Iso- dor ag ae by the door. HRY, a6 pale-face want sell ship to Spaniard in Havana. ' ‘Sell young sea chief too, so get kill there, and fet Id for him and ship. ‘‘ Half-breed only friend of young sea chief; he go on deck and wait and see what bad pale- tacedo; but Half-breed his friend.” Without another word the Indian glided awa aS rs mag ox he had come, and regained the dec unseen, being listlessly leaning over the bul- varks in the waist, when Binnacle came aft ain. the mean time, aroused by the words of the .{ndian, and not doubting for an instant his story for he had read well the faces of the crew, Isodor quickly buckled on his belt, containing a revolv- er, and to which was hung a cutlass with dia- mond-studded hilt and a gold scabbard, on which was an inscription that it had been presented b Spaniards to me, Captain Atares of the Bictanieh army, for his having promptly put down a revolt by the execution of a number of Cubans. This sword had in truth been presented for a butchery of Cubans, rather than an execution, ond the one who had received it was known as “Captain Atares the Butcher,” and from him upon the field had Isodor taken the valuable weapon which was worth a small fortune, and * bore the name known as the “Diamond Cut- lass.” It was a superb blade of Damascus steel, had eady served Isodor well in need, and he buck- led it on with the air of one who meant to use it if need be. Going on deck, having thrown a cloak over his ok his stand behind Mate Boreas, who still had the wheel, while some dis tance off stood Binnaclé conversing with a: sailor, who seemed to listen most attentively to what he was saying. The Indian still remained in the waist, and the other men were grouped forward, The wind had freshened a little, since the moon rose, and the War-Cloud was skimming al SN ee ee ee ee ee eee ee eee eee ong at “Captain, do you take the deck now?” asked | _ The two stood on the quarter-deck of the Red! innacle —s forward. ‘* Yes,” was the abrupt ‘reply. ‘** And I shall relieve you at eight bells.” ** No, sir, you will do nothing of the kind, for I shall hold the deck until we reach Mobile, for which port I shall at once head. ‘Put her about, helmsman, and steer for Mo- bile!” and Isodor spoke in a voice that rung out in dead earnest. ‘*What does this mean?” cried Binnacle in a loud voice, and at his loud tones the men forward came aft with a rush. “Tt means, sir, that I command this vessel and that you are hired to obey my orders, and if you refuse, I shall shoot you down without one atom of mercy!” As Isodor spoke he threw off his cloak, and stood revealed with his Diamond Cutlass in one | hand and a revolver in the other. It was a thrilling scene, that Cuban boy there at bay upon his yacht’s deck, fearlessly defying the mutineers that surrounded him. Just behind the wild lot of desperate men who faced the boy, stood the Indian sailor, one hand upon the knife in his belt, the other grasping a | capstan bar which he had seized and brought aft with him. ‘Say, captain, hain’t this a little rough ona faithful crew?” said Binnacle deprecatingly. ‘* No, it is to save my life and vessel that Tact, and the man who refuses to obey me will never enjoy the gold he hoped to sell me for. ** Get forward all of you!” The men stood undecided, and Binnacle shout- ed: ** Rush on him, men! he’s but a boy!” In a mass they started, one to fall witha crushed skull, as the Indian brought the capstan down upon it, and then witha nd the red- skin sailor placed himself by the side of the swift yachtsman’s young commander, The yacht ran upinto the wind and lay to; there were two sharp reports, and two men fell under the fire of the boy, one dead, the other with a broken leg, and then the others were upon him and his red ally, and, ére further ex- ecution could be done, Isodor and the Indian were thrown by mere force of numbers down the companionway into the cabin. Instantly it was closed upon them, while Bin- nacle called out: “* Down below, some of you, and bar the cabin gangway door!” Several men bounded away, and then came the words: ; ‘t He killed two and wounded one, so overboard with them for dead men tel] no tales, and there will be three less to divide the gold with!” The wounded man uttered a shriek of wild despair, as his comrades seized him to carry out the order of their ringleader; but the mutineers were merciless now, and into the sea the two dead men and one living one, his leg shattered by a bullet, were thrown, the wail of the poor wretch being cut short by the waters that swept over him. “ T am master here now, and Boreas, you are my first: luff, so get the schoontr under way again, and you men, all but two of you, go to your posts!” The men obeyed, while the two ordered to re- main were placed, one at the gangway door, be- low, the other at the companionway, and order- ed to shoot the youth or Indian, should they at- tempt to dash out, before they could be nailed up securely as prisoners in the cabin, ‘T shall give the Indian traitor up too, and ask the captain-general to garrote him as a spe- cial favor to me, Boreas,” said Binnacle. ‘*He ought to be: but did you ever see any- thing more game than that youth?” ‘‘T told you that he was game clean through; but he has done us a favor in getting rid of two of the fellows, and the Indian has helped_in sid- ing with him, and killing Corbett as he did, for it leaves more gold to go round.” “So it does; but hain’t that a sail yonder?” “Tt is, for a fact; and we must get away from here, for if a cruiser ran on us_ it would be a dark day for us;” and the War-Cloud was quickly headed away on her course to Havana. But the strange sail, a little over a mile dis- tant, changed her course also, and it at once re- solved i into a chase, CHAPTER V. 4 & Belt, which was gliding slowly along over the- waters of the Gulf of Mexico, for the wind was: light, and the schooner did not have her top- sails set. It was bright moonlight, and the night efter- the sad parting of thé gallant young yacktemen. with Estrella Christobal at her home hy tke waters of Mobile Bay. The yacht had been cruising about the Gulf since leaving the bay, with some evident pur- pose in view that kept her within a certain re-- us, The hours had passed away, day had ccme and gone, and night had once more settled upcn the sea, in all the moonlight beauty of thet. ‘Southern latizude. The Red Belt, and the strange cal that her: captain had sighted had both gotten strangely near to. each other without either one having been sighted, but the moment that the young yachtsman had come on deck, his quick eyes. ad. fallen upon the craft not very far distant. _ The past hour he and Melton Field had been- in the cabin, eating supper and chatting to- gether, and the deck had Bens in charge of an ae officer, whom the captain reprimanded. with: ‘“* Dorsey, you know that we are looking for a. craft to bring us important tidings, and_ here you run almost upon a strange vessel and do not: see her.” “Tm afraid I was half-asleep, Captain Crit- tenden, without knowing it, for you know we've: lost a great deal of rest of late,” was the frank response. “"T know it, Dorsey, and I do not blame you, as we are not likely to be fae up by a Span-- iard here—but!” and Crittendon paused, seized his glass and bent it upon the strange sail, while. he cried: ‘“* That is Isodor’s yacht, as I live!” “The one we had the run with out at Pensa-. cola, and which walked away so cleverly from. the Red Belt, sir?” Mah Field, the same, and I'll wager it is: she. t “Tt certainly is; sir.” “But what the mischicf is the matter with her, for since we came on deck she has been backing and filling there as though no cne was: upon her. ‘*Ha! she goes about now, and stands away” from us.” ‘ ‘*Yes, sir; and they are crowding sail upon. her,” cried Dorsey. ““We will do the same on the Red Belt, and. if she she can show us a clean pair of heels-in this: breeze, which is our yacht’s best hold. ‘All handsahoy!” «| _ “Ay, ay, sir,” came in a choms from the- crew, and they sprung to their work with alac- rity, when Crittenden ordered, in his cheery,. clear yoice: | ue ‘Put the yacht’s best bib and tucker on her, lads, for she has work to do.” * In a few minutes the Red Belt was one mas* of canvas, and flying along ata pace that was. very fast considering the light wind. “She gains on us, sir,” cried Melton Fields. anxiously. “* So she does; no, I think not.” “Tl take an object'on her and see if she does, for somehow I do not. believe it, as the Belt is slipping along as fast as this breeze can drive wood through water,” and og Sept Crittenden fixed his eye upon the man at the wheel on the schooner ahead, regarded him attentively for an instant, to see er how distinctly he could make him out, and then turned his back upon the craft. “Now, Melton, I do not understand this strange caper, for Isodor Christobal knows this craft as he does his own face, and ‘more, ¢=- pects me to be in these waters about this | time.” “Tt is strange, sir, for he is too good a sailor not to recognize the Red Belt in this moon- light.” ‘¢Mhen she was certainly not under way when we came out of the cabin and sighted her and was acting very strangely, as though no one was sat ‘more ““Tsodor was to go this week to ‘Pensacola.
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A es ron oo spt F es, \ ie aif _ “Now, Field, I know that : : E his yacht, and you know that port lies off “yonder not many leagues away. or did not in- tend to take his black crew after the yacht, and was to go alone, and in these times of Spanish trickery, I fear that he has gotten into trouble, so I shall run that craft down if I have to carry the sticks out of the Red Belt to do so,” ‘‘T would do so, sir, as we may get the young gentleman out of a scrape; but what about the schooner with Cuban patriots on board that we were to meet here?” ‘“She must wait about here until we return, for she dare not put back into any port, and of course her skipper does not know where to land them, for it was to keep that secret that I sug- gested taking the men off in mid sea and run- ning them to the island retreat myself. “Now to see if we have gained any on the »chase,” and Crittenden turned once more to have a look upon the schooner. As before he fixed his eye upon the helmsman, sand in an instant cried out joyfully: ‘‘ Bravo! we are gaining well! “T thought that the Red Belt could not be wun away from in her own wind, even though yonder craft did show her heels too cleanly in the blow we had that day. ““T can see the movement of the helmsman’s arms now, Field, which I could not do before. “Get the hose out and throw water on the ‘ails, and that will drag her along a little faster. “Steady at the wheel, Dorsey, and don’t let ‘her lose an inch from bad steering.” The sails were now wet thoroughly, the yacht “was trimmed to a nicety, two men were put at ithe wheel, every halyard was hauled taut, every sail trimmed flat, and not a thing left undone that could add to the increased speed of the Red Belt, which all could pow see was certainly gaining upon the War-Cloud. CHAPTER VI. : ISODOR’S STRATEGY. WHEN the mutineers threw Isodorand the In- dian down the companionway, into the cabin of the War-Cloud, they were not aware that they had had any assistance in doing so from one of the two they thus sought to get rid of, That one was Half-breed who, after killing one of the mutineers with his capstan bar had sprung to the side of Isodor, and made an effort to keep off the mutineers. Seeing that this was impossible, and that they “were determined to kill him, but would not fire ‘upon the youth, as though they wished to take him alive, he had shoved Isodor down the com- panionway, after the two shots, and sprung after him so closely, that it looked as t ough ‘they had been thrown papetber into the cabin. ad the mutineers followed them, the strug- gle that would havé followed would have been desperate in the extreme; but, Binnacle had ac- complished his purpose, in getting Isodor into the cabin, and though the i sailor was ‘there also he must let matters rest as they were. He had no dread that the two would break out, and gain the mastery of himself and men, so he contented himself by securing the gang- way door and companionway, and then set to work torun away from the strange sail they ‘had come so near to without sighting. With perfect confidence in the speed of the “War-Cloud, from what he had seen her do, he ‘had no doubt but she would soon drop the trim veraft astern of her, and that he could safely reach Havana with his prize and prisoners. In the mean time, Isodor had risen from his fall, desperately determined to fight to the death, for he had no idea that he was to be ‘held a prisoner and not slain, The Indian sailor also arose and stood by his =, having grasped a chair as a weapon of de- fense. Then, for an instant they stood, until they dis- covered that they were to be nailed up within ‘the cabin. \ “Well, this is just what I dreaded, and but for you, my noble fellow, I would have been quickly slain,” and Isodor held forth his hand, ; which the Semincle grasped most warmly, while a smile crossed his stolid face. “What is to be done now, chief? asked Iso- dor quietly. : * Sail oud yonder,” said the Indian, pointing on Tndesdrs Pr “Yes, we see him before fight come; he see “us, and come,” | sodor stepped to the cabin ports and looked out. hes The schooner was just bearing around to run trom’ the Red Belt, and no sail was in sight from her cabin; but a moment after, as she f The Wild Yachtsman. got under headway, Isodor’s eyes fell upon the ey gl and an exclamation of joy broke from s lips. Instantly the Indian stepped to his side, ‘* What is your name?” asked Isodor, quickly. ‘“* Half-breed.” ‘* No, Ido not wish to call you by a name that is insulting.” ‘* Me Seminole chief.” ‘** Then I will call you Seminole then.” **Good! me call you chief.” ' ‘* Well, Seminole, 1 know that craft.” ** Know him?” ‘Yes, her chief is my friend, and see, he is in chase!” ‘*'Yes, but can’t catch.” “c Why 9? ** Cloud fly too fast.” ‘That is true; this craft is too fast even for the Red Belt,” and Isodor regretted then that his beautiful yacht had such speed. ‘*She walk ‘way from him,” said Seminole quickly, as he watched the Red Belt. “That is true, and— Ha! I have an idea.” **Tell him,” ‘* There are some heavy cables in one of those state-rooms, which have not been carried for- ward,” “Ugh!” ** We will get one.” ** What do?’ **T will show you, Seminole. to get the end of one.” The two entered the front state-room, which, not being needed, had not been arranged for sleeping in yet, with bedding, and was used as a kind of store-room for numerous articles that had not yet been put in the places where they belonged. Among these things were a couple of small boat anchors, oars, coils of cable and ropes, and upon these Isodor gazed thoughtfully for a moment. . Then he said: ““Two of those oars will support one of these boat anchors, and 1 will tie it upon them.” Having done this, he fastened a rope to one end of the oars, and spliced itsecurely to the end of a large cable. ‘ This drag was then carried to the starboard o and leaning far out Isodor looked up on eck. He just saw the head of the helmsman, so said: ‘* Now lower away!” The drag was gently lowered from the stern port into the water. There was a splash or two, which sounded. very loud to the ears of. the Indian or Isodor, but seemed not to be heard upon the deck of the War-Cload, or if heard was unnoticed, it being caused by the washing of the waters in the. ves- sel’s wake. Down it sunk, then the cable was payed out noislessly and rapidly, to get the drag as far me from the schooner as possible. Come, help me ter kaving payed out as much as he thought necessary, Isodor told the Indian to cut it in two with his sharp knife, and it was made fast to about ten fathom of small rope that would not attract the eye of poy one glancing astern oe the deck ‘as quickly as would the large cable. “Young chief big smart; don’t ‘sail so fast now,” said the Seminole, as his quick eye told him that the Red Belt was gaining through Iso- dor’s ingenious plan. “* Yes, this retards her a knot an hour fully, and if they do not discover our little plot we are all en ‘‘ Hark! they see that the Red Belt is gaining, and they are setting extra sail, though they have little more that they can spread,” said Tsodor, and | the’ sounds overhead indicated that the mutineers were getting alarmed at the yacht astern creeping up on them as she was. The extra sail made a slight difference, but the Red Belt still gained, Then was heard an order to throw water upon the sails, and this Isodor saw held the two vessels at an equal speed of sailing. ‘“* We must risk more cable, Seminole.” “Yes, that’s ’um.” Then the cut end of the cable was quickly lowered from the stern and fifteen fathoms run out, which took it all. . To the end of this a wire, which Isodor found in the state-room,was made fast, and seeing that it would be impossible for any one gn deck tosee it, the wire was made fast to the cable with the as and it ms also let out fifty feet. ‘‘ Now the Belt gains again,” said Isodor, i Yes; but War-Cloud mizhty fast.” ae indeed, and if the wind increased in strength to send ker along a few knots faster, she could run away from the Red Belt, fast a” she is, even with these drags on,” said Isodor, with enthusiasm at the speed of his vessel, though but for the drags she would be carrying him to his doom. ‘* ool bad men on deck heap funny,” the In- dian remarked, with a chuckle of delight, as he heard the exertions of the crew above to urge the War-Cloud still faster ahead, for they also saw plainly that their enemy was gaining upon them, and were anxious about the result. CHAPTER VII. THE TWO YACHTS. THE excitement on the deck of the War- Cloud, among the mutineers, was becoming in- tensé, as they saw that the Red Belt was steadi- ly overhauling them. They now recognized the Pp sed which had raced with the War-Cloud, off Pensacola, on the trial trip of the new craft, for they’ had been the crew which the builder then had on board. Binnacle saw that the Red Belt must over- haul him within another hour, and he could not exactly understand it, and was at his wits’ end to escape what must foliow. . ‘*T cannot understand it, Boreas,” he said anxiously. “This craft walked right away from yonder schooner, and on her trial trip, when we were not in half as good trim as we are now.” “Tt was blowing a twelve-knot breeze then, and she doubtless sails better in rough water and a hard wind.” ‘But, the wind died out toward evening, if you remember, and when we sailed up to Pensa- cola it was not blowing any harder than it is now, and there was no sea in the harbor.” ** That’s so, Binnacle,” ‘* And the War-Cloud walked away from her just as easy then, as she did in rough water and a biow.” “True: how do you make it out?” **T cannot understand it.” * Nor I.” “Well, what’s to be done, Boreas?” “Don’t know: do you?’ Binnacle was silent a few minutes, aud then said ” ““T have it.” “Well?” ‘“T will let the yacht yonder run alongside.” ‘You can’t help it.” ‘*T will, at any rate, if she runs near and hails, lay to, and go on board in a boat, before he can send his boat aboard of us.” “ Yes. ” ** Then I will tell him’ that we were not run- ning from him, but simply sailing oh our way, without knowing he was in chase.” “But we set sail when we ‘saw him do so.” ME. tell him that was to try our speed with aa. | ‘** But he’ll ask about the Boy Captain?” ** Then Dll tell him the Boy Captain could not come to Pensacola after his craft, so the builder put me on board with a crew to run her to New Orleans for him.” “ But this is not the course to New Orleans.” “Then I'll say we were putting her upon her best sailing points, to try her speed, and intend- ing to stand well out into the Gulf, as the build- er told me there was no hurry in getting her to rt. ‘* But he saw how we were backing and fill- ing, at the time of the fight, when nobody was at the helm.” }* : “Boreas, you would provoke a saint,” im- patiently ait Binnacle. é ; “Tf am merely giving you points you may be questioned on, 80 that you'll not be taken off your . ; 4 ‘That’s so; now what shall I say about this other matter?” ‘“‘ Say that the tiller ropes broke, and we were mending them.” ‘Boreas, you are a friend in need; now all is arranged, and I must post the crew.” ’ “Tf you have that young captain, of yonder yacht, to deal with, Binnacle, goslow and with eare, for he’s as smart a fellow as you would wish to meet.” ‘*T know it, Boreas, or he belies his looks. ‘**But the yacht comes bravely on, and an- other half-hour will settle it,” and Binnacle went forward among the men. In a quarter of an hour he returned to find that the Belt was steadily gaining, and was beginning to work up to windward of the War- Cloud, ‘‘ Better hail her soon, so you'll have plenty of time to lay to, if he asks it,” said Boreas. s “Yes; but I’ve half a mind'to fight him, if he ~ shows his teeth,” Binnacle rejoin
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a a nae ss = Bea : _ bay jag J ‘‘ We've got but seven men besides ourselves.” ‘‘ And he’s got perhaps double as many; but there is a case of muskets in the hold, and a bundle of cutlasses, with a few belts of revolvers, which the youth had brought on board from a Jew’s shop where he bought them.” “Firearms and swords are not dangerous, Binnacle, without hands to handle them.” “Tf we get in a first fire, and surprise them we will have the advantage, and then, insteac of lying to, we will lay alongside and board the yacht, and my we, | for it we'll win.” ** Binnacle, don’t make pirates of us.” , ** We've got our hands in the lion’s mouth as it is, and we’ve got to get it out some way— Ha! he hails!” The Red Belt was now not more than a cable’s ——. away, and some sixty feet to windward, wnd steadily gaining. As Binnacle spoke, like bugle-notes, there came across the moonlit waters: ** War-Cloud, ahoy!” ‘* Ahoy, the Red Belt!” answered Binnacle Wha i t are you running away from me for?” * “We saw you coming, sir, and recognizing the Red Belt, as the craft we sailed with on our trial trip we concluded to give you a race.” ** Aha! where is Captain Christobal?” “He could not come after his yacht, sir, so we were sent with her to run her to New Or- leans.” ‘“T have been wrong after all, Field,” said Crittenden; but Melton Field remarked quickly: ‘Ask him what was the matter with the schooner when we sighted her, for some of the men say they heard pistol-shots on board?” “Hal say you so?” and raising his voice again Duke Crittenden called out: “What was the matter with you, awhile since, that you had no man at the wheel?” ‘‘We broke our rudder ropes, sir, and were arg them,” “ Ahoy, the Red Belt!” suddenly rung out clear and startling from the stern port of the War-Cloud, } Before Crittenden could respond, came the words: “Ho, Captain Crittenden the hands of mutineers, and Tama prisoner in my own cabin!” A yeli broke from the crew of the War-Cloud at this expose, while Binnacle, with a bitter oath eried: ““My God! I forgot the boy wholly. “But PU kill him, if it is the last act of my life. ‘Ho, lads, we've got to fight this out, for our necks are in the noose. “Bring those arms, quick! and, Boreas, hold her on her way, and do not let bim board if you can help it!” The mutineers knew their danger and sprung to work with a will, while a cheer broke from the crew of the Red Belt, and Duke Crittenden thundered forth: ‘‘Lay her aboard yonder craft, helmsman, and you, lads, get your weapons and follow me on her decks!” CHAPTER VIII. A FIGHT FOR LIFE, WS8ILE the conversation, rece ced Are fore- ing chapter, was going on ween the young Seorain of the Red Belt and the mutineer lead- er on board the War-Cloud, the former vessel had forged ahead until she was in a position to hold the latter at an advantage. The bowsprit wes about even with the main- mast of the War-Cloud and being some sixty | feet only to windward, she had the power to run her aboard as she pleased, unless something un- foreseen allowed the mutineers to keep out of the way, such as a puff of wind which their foes did not get. Though a ble yacht, Crittenden had ob- tained permission to carry on board two small brass six-pounders, along with muskets and cut- lasses to the number of two dozen, while his fowling-pieces, revolvers, and his belt of arms which he had had as a soldier, enabled him to arm his craft and crew pretty thoroughl : In a couple of minutes the crew of the Red Belt were armed, Crittenden and Field had dash- ed into the cabin and gotten their weapons, and the helmsman, under the orders of his comman- der, was heading down to lay the War-Cloud aboard _ Binnacle was driven to oe) Seapen by the fact of his being betrayed, and rallied his desperadoes about him to resist, for he hoped to be able to beat off the Red Belt, if he made a determined resistance, fens this yacht is in ; The Wild Yachtsman. He saw that the chances were against him in a combat; but to be taken, with Isodor to a ar against him as a mutineer, murderer, and id- napper of the yacht, to give it over to tie Span- iards, there was nothing but death before him he well knew. The two yachts were now near enough to throw a biscuit from the deck of one to the other. Crittenden was watching his enemy closely, and he saw that he intended to resist, for the muskets in the hands of the mutineers were dis- tinctly visible. Thus watching him, he saw the movement of Binnacle, as he started to give the order to fire, and _ he said, in a quick, low tone: ‘Be ready to drop down, men, at my word.” The moment after came the order of the mu- tineer leader: ‘‘Give it to them, lads! Fire!” The same instant Crittenden ordered: ‘* Down on your faces, all!” Even the helmsman obeyed, and the fire of the mutineers went over the heads of the Red Belts, who arose with a cheer, as Melton Ficld sent his vessel alongside of the War-Cloud, and followed their young captain upon the deck of their enemy. ‘Beat them back, dogs! It is die now by powder and lead, or hang for our work later,” yelled Binnacle, and the mutineers opened a fire that was quite effective for several of the Red Belts went down, one dead the others wounded. At the same instant the mutineers fell back toward the stern of the War-Cloud, for the Red Sn bad boarded their craft forward of amid- ships. Then, over the stern of the War-Cloud ap- peared a form. a It was Isodor Christobal, and turning, he bent over, giving a hand to the Indian sailor, who had aided him up, and with the youth’s ready assistance now sprung lightly upon the deck of the War-Cloud. The youth had his Diamond Cutlass in his hand, and the Indian was armed with his trusty knife. Neither were seen by either the mutineers or the yacht’s crew, until, with a shout, Isodor sprung forward and brought his keen cutlass down upon the head of Boreas, who just turned to meet him, while Seminole seized a negro mutineer in his arms and pitched him bodily overboard. Taken by surprise. the mutineers became panic-striken, and with the yacht’s crew now upon them, and the blade of Crittenden fall- ing upon one of their number and killing him, they cried loudly for quarter, raising their arms seeey at excepting Binnacle, and he made a bound for the side to spring into the sea, But, Crittenden sprung after him, tripped him and in an instant had hiscutlass at his heart while he said: “You are the man I want above all! Put trons on him, boatswain,” and turning to Isodor he grasped his hand hegre while he cried; Well, Isodor, I am glad to see you.” “And again [ owe you my life, Captain Crittenden.” “ Was it as bad as that?” ‘Yes indeed, for these fellows are in Span- ish pay, and meant to run the yacht to Ha- vana, give her up to the captain-general, and have me garroted, for which they had already bargained, or at least that man bad,” and he pointed to Binnacle, who muttered: ‘* Curse you, boy.” ‘¢ Well, just such as he is need hanging, and I shall take good care that he and his mates get their deserts, “* Now, Isodor, you need a crew, so P'illend you half a score of my men, and you had better sail at once for home and get your slaves, for you can trust them, and I have to keep in &@ vicinity not very far from here to meet a craft I am ex- pecting ; and which you know of, but, as we run ack several hours together, I will remain upon your vessel with you, which, though she beat me on her trial trip, was not handled well enough to do it to-night.” Tsodor laughed, and said: : “Seminole, haul in our drags, and let Captain Crittenden see what was the reason he caught the War-Cloud, and I would like the mutineers to see rope aud turning once more to Coie den, who wag gazing with surprise at, the Indian, as he leant beam the taffrail, a boat-hook in hand, Isodor continued: ) ‘Captain Crittenden, that noble Indian saved my life, for he wasone of the crew, and informed me of Binnacle’s plot, while, when the attack be- gan, he threw me into the cabin, for I had made up my mind to die, rather than go to Havana ta ~ | As be garroted.” “This splendid fellow! you should keep hin» with you, Isodor.” “‘T Intend to, and he shall be my first mate,. for, Indian though he is, he knows a ship from. keel to truck, understands navigation, and is as: brave asa lion,” ‘Now, see why the Red Belt crept up on us,” and lsodor pointed tothe cable which Seminole was dragging upon deck, and the sight of which caused Crittenden and his men to utter exclama- tions of surprise, while Binnacle and his fellow mutineers gritted their teeth with rage, when, they saw how they had been outwitted by their young prisoner. CHAPTER IX. THE ISLAND RENDEZVOUS. The two beautiful vessels, with the mutineer- prisoners in the hold of the War-Cloud, soom started up the Gulf, the Red Belt under full sail,. the new yacht without topsails, a flying jib set,. and thus sailing side by side. ‘*T tell you, Isodor, you have the fastest craft I ever saw, for the Belt: is a godd one to make: comparisons with, as in a good breeze I have of- ten held my own with steamers,” said Critten- den, as he stood with the young Cuban upon the: deck of his vessel, watching with delight the sail-- ing of the two yachts. ‘The Cloud, that father had built for me, Senor Crittenden, was very fast, but this one- could run away from her, I am sure; and I am. glad that she can, for much depends upon her’ speed,” answered Isodor, ‘*-Yes, much indeed; and I predict that you will win a name for yourself, Sesanr, during the coming struggle in Cuba, for you will serve the cause far more upon this vessel than you could do ashore.” “‘T hope I can do much for poor Cuba, for I long to see her free, while I am most revengeful against the Spaniards who took from me my father, my mother and my home—yes, and. drove my sister as a refugee into the United. States. “You, Colonel Crittenden—for you hold that rank now in the cause of Cuba Libre—know what. we have suffered, and if ever, in your service on. the island, you get into your power Colonel, Cazandra Morelos, I beg you to kill him as you. would a snake. ** He pretended to love my sister Estrella, and sought her hand in marriage; but the truth is, he was harassed by debts and sought to get her fortune through making her his wife. *¢ He told her he would spare father and all if she would become the Senora Morelos, and threatened her if she refused. “I thank the Mary Mother that she had the: courage to defy him and his threats, and some day I hope to meet him, and then, such mercy as e showed to my poor father will I show to: Isodor spoke with an excitement of manner which Duke Crittenden had never seen him show before; but he knew that if the boy had regis- tered a vow to be avenged upon Colonel Morelos he would keep it, come what might; and he, too, swore that the Spanish officer should have- no mercy should he fall into his hands, “T saw. your sister only two days ago, Isodor, and bade her farewell, as Ido not believe I can. run up to the Cuba Cottage again.” ‘* Colonel Crittenden e care of your life im. this coming struggle for should aught happen to you it would kill poor sister, and should I rea you will be all that she has in the world to: ove. Thus they talked until late into the night, when Duke Crittenden hailed the Red Belt and went on board, as Isodor held on up into Mobile Bay. te arrived in good time and received a warm welcome from Estrella, who also greeted the Indian sailor with great kindness when she heard all that he had gone for her brother, Not wishing to keep fhe crew, loaned him by Crittenden, any longer than was necessary, Is6- dor got his slaves aboard the War-Cloud, and a gallant lot of fellows they were, thorough sail- ors, athletes, brave as lions, fierce as tigers if aroused, and devoted to their young master. = Their leader, Bonita, was a tall, handsome — man, once an American slave, and sold in Cuba — through the death of a former master who bad. a there while on - visit. a unning away from a cruel owner 4 eg had hidden for two years upon an island in the Gulf coast of the United States, and then ven- turing to sea, had been picked up by a trading veniot’ that had carried him back to Havana,, where Don Christobal had become his purchaser,
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~ ~ - H Cloud went met. Lag haya which | will give you the di ‘From that day Bonita was the devoted com- on, as well as slave, of Isodor, and the two were devotedly attached to each other. Bonita had a fair education, did not speak with the negro dialect, and was capable of com- manding a vessel fully as well as was his young master. ay With*Bonita,who acted as an officer, Seminole, the Indian, and six black seamen on board the War-Cloud, Isodor considered himself prepared for a voyage, and, after a sad parting with his sister, he set sail for New Orleans, intending to hunt up the Red Belt on his way, and return to Colonel Crittenden his crew. A few hours after running out of Mobile Bay, the Red Belt was sighted, and in company with was a large schooner. sa he the War-Cloud reached them, the schoon- er set sail in an easterly direction, while the Red Belt held on in the “cymes of the Chandeleur slands, leaving Isodor to follow. P Crew dine phot Isodor overhauled the Red Belt, and as he ran near, received a rousing cheer from fully a hundred men that were upon her decks, which were also crowded with boxes, bales and bundles, that had been taken from the trading schooner, now hull down to the east- ward. As the Red Belt was loaded down, Isodor of- fered to share her freight, and, the wind bein light, the two vessels were run alongside, an Colonei Crittenden sprung on board, accompan- ied by General Lopez and the officers of the Cu- ban Junta. ‘ They all greeted the Cuban youth most cordi- ally, and the general explained that they were on their way to the island rendezvous among the Chandeleurs, where they could arrange definite- ly all their plans for the future, see just what arms were to be sent out in the first cargo of the War-Cloud, and to appoint their leaders. “Colonel Crittenden informed us of your nar- row escape, Captain Christobal, and that he has the mutineers on his vessel, so we will hold a council of war as to what shall be their fate, said the President of the Junta, an elderly look- ing Cuban of distinguished appearance. rapid run soon brought them in i i of the island rendezvous, for the War-Cloud went in ahead of the Red Belt, and with Bueno at the helm the vessel was taken to a safe anchorage. In the interior of the island, which was of considerable size, was a hidden camp, where a hundred or more dark-faced Cuban Patriots were gathered, while tents near by were filled with boxes of arms, stores, bales of uniforms and ammunition in great quantities. Those on the island greeted their comrades with ringing cheers, and when the Red Belt had landed its cargo of human and other freight, there followed a most exciting scene. To a vessel sailing by this island no one on board would have suspected what a secret was hidden inland, and that a small army was or- anizing there to make a descent in time upon the Gem of the Antilles to attempt to free Cuba from the proud sovereign of Spain. There were hidden away in a small inlet a sail-boat and two life-skiffs, the former to be used as a dispatch craft to the mainland, if ne- cessary, and the latter for fishing. ’ Guards were kept posted about the island, arid constantly on the alert, that none of the men showed themselves to passing vessels, or that one wishing to escape and prove traitor hed no op- rtunity to cet away, : All knew that the revenue cutters and United States cruisers would quickly pounce upon them and seize all, did they get an inkling of the ex- istence of a secret camp being there, and yet no better rendezvous and fitting-out place could be found anywhere on the erican coast. The general-in-chief of the Patriots and the Junta had come to investigate for themselves t what was going on, and what they had un- jus , ] : ae their direction, after which they intended returning to New Orleans in the Red Belt to urther Perfect arrangements, while the War- on her yiwibete the first cargo to in Cuba. ir: d themselves, therefore, sp 8 erm gh og vessel, and that her been forced to go on them. f vill give you a valuable cargo, Captain Christobal, nd the men can ut it on board at _ once, 80 you can set sail during the night, ‘and we can start upon our return, leaving a General Varona here in charge of the men, to ” drill them and get them ready to take command _as officers a8 soon as they reach the island. “But now there is one important duty to So the chief of the L e in Cuba, anc you ; President of ——— ee ————S — The Wild Yachisman. can bring us back full information from them of just how matters are progressing there,” said the President of the Junta, addressing Isodor. ‘* And this duty now to be performed, senor?” asked the youth. ‘The trial of those mutineers, and their exe- cution,” was the response, and half an hour after, loaded with irons, Binnacle, the Spanish | spy, and his fellow-mutineers, were brought be- | fore the stern-faced men who were going to sit | in judgment upon them. CHAPTER X, LIFE FOR LIFE, THERE were five of the mutineers, Binnacle | and four of the unfortunate wretches whom he had led into the affair. They were guilty of murder upon the high seas, of kidnapping the yacht, and of the inten- tion to carry Isodor Christobal to Havana, where they knew that his execution would fol- ow. By the laws of any land their crimes would be punishable with death. Should they be delivered up to the United States authorities, as Colonel Crittenden wished that they should be for punishment, it was quickly shown that they would save their necks by betraying the Cuban retreat on the island, and thus ruin the plans of the Patriots, True, Cuba was not yet a Government in it- self; but against those struggling to make it such, a great crime had been committed, and the punishment meted out to those who were its bitter foes, must be such as would be visited by any country upon such offenders as had been Binnacle and his men. It was shown by the testimony of the Indian sailor, that Binnacle was a Spanish spy, and had gathered the crew that were on the War- Cloud, by special promises of gold, for some venture that was against the law, yet would pay them well. : t sea, before striking, he had told them what amount he would give them, had gained their consent to steal the yacht and deliver Iso- dor up to the captain-general, and it was be- cause they would get a re price for him alive than dead, that they did not kill him. Binnacle, it was proven, had attacked Isodor, and when, in defending himself, he had killed one mutineer and wounded another, the ring- leader had had that poor wretch thrown into the | sea along with the dead. He had also fired: upon the Red Belt when she floated the United States flag, and was, for all | these crimes, deserving of death. Beneath the shades of a wide-spreading tree sat the Cuban Junta, sitting as a tribunal upon the prisoners. Upon their right sat General Lopez, Isodor and Colonel Crittenden, while upon their left were the other officers of the Patriot force. In their front were the five mutineers, livid and trembling, for they saw death before them rather than the blood-money they had hoped to win by their crime. In a semicircle about them stood the Patriots, stern and silent, and upon one side of the prison- ers, erect, stolid and unmoved, Seminole, the In- dian sailor. He was a strangely handsome man, though having the features of his tribe. Scarcely over thirty-three, his stern look of dignity and conscious power caused him to ap- pear a trifle older, His form was a model of symmetry and strength combined, and he was dressed in white duck pants, a blue Woolen shirt and a scarlet skull- i oe gave him a picturesque appearance wi hair. In the distance, lying alongside of the bank where the water was deep, were the two yachts, and half a hundred men were busy loading the War-Cloud with the assorted cargo which had been selected for her to carry out on her first perilous run. Bonita was there superintending the loading, and no better hand could have been found, for the white men worked willingly under his direc- tion, so courteous was he to them,and at the same time they saw that he fully understood just where to put everything and just how to do it. In the mean time the trial of the mutineers mogressed and, as darkness came on and battle anterns were placed here and there, throwing | a weird look upon the faces of all, it was a weird and picturesque scene. Having heard the testimony of Seminole, who told clearly all that had been made known to him b tp on ashore and on the yacht, the the Cuban Junta asked: ‘ his dark skin, piercing black eyes and ebony |. | ing his vessel as she moved out, and standing ** And why did you ship on the vessel if you knew. there was something wrong to be done?” “*Me no murderer,” was the reply. “That does not answer my question.” ** Me have heart.” ‘“Yet you became one of a crew that you knew were going to do some murderous work?” The eyes of the Seminole flashed, while he an- swered: ‘* Me one time in Havana, four year ago, and | was sick, had hard time, no gold, no eat. ‘**Me saw young boy one day, and boy saw me. ‘“*He have eyes, and saw me sick and poor, so give me plenty of gold. ‘That was boy, and me no forget, though he sea chief now,” and he pointed to Isodor. ‘* Ah! you shipped on board to save him?” The Indian sailor nodded, while Isodor said: ‘* T remember the circumstance now. ‘“‘T was strolling along, looking at the ship- ping, when this man caught my eye. “He was very sick,’it seemed to me, and in great distress, and so I gave him quite a sum of gold I had with me; but he has returned the fa- vor with interest.” ’ ‘*Curse him! he has saved you and hanged me,” growled Binnacle, but no one paid any at- tention to the remark, and after the Indian had told all of his story of the capture of the yacht, bse was called upon for his version of the af- air. ; He spoke of how he told the builder that he distrusted the men, and all the while had a dread of coming evil. Then he told how the Indian sailor had sprung to his aid, when he forced the attack, and that he had stood by him staunchly through all. ‘“‘Senors, the testimony is in against these prisoners, and you have heard all, so it is for us to decide regarding their punishment,” and the President of the Junta turned to his com- rades of that body. All looked grave aid remained silent, until the President asked: ‘What say you, senors?” “7 say they should die!” “A life for a life !” “They deserve death !” ** Let them be executed “They had no mercy, so let none be given them |” So answered the members of the Junta, in their turn, and the President added: ** And so say I.” A groan issued from the lips of the prisoners, while a murmur of approbation ran through the band of Patriots. “Prisoners, you have heard what has been_ said, and I therefore now pass sentence upon you. ‘*That sentence is that you be taken out to sea, two leagues distant from the American shores, on board of the Cuban schooner, War- Cloud, and then, by order of her commander, Captain Iscdor Christobal, you be shot to death by a platoon of Patriots detailed for that duty. he the War-Cloud has never yet raised the flag of any nation; she was built for a Cuban, and is a Cuban craft—so upon her deck no na- tionality is represented, and the execution will therefore be the work of Patriots, and under the ensign which to-night we hoist upon her. “Senor Captain, detail twelve men as an exe- cution squad, and place them on board the War-: Cloud when she is ready to sail. ‘* Prisoners, may Heaven forgive your crimes, and have mercy upon your gui Vv souls!” So spoke the President of the Junta, and the trial had ended. CHAPTER XI. THE EXECUTION AT SEA. Just at midnight the War-Cloud, loaded , with a precious cargo, one beyond price for the Patriots, raised anchor and headed out of the island inlet. : Upon:her decks were her negro crew, stand- ing at their posts, Bonita and the Indian sailor acting as officers, and forward the execution squad of twelve pane ee & sergeant, Amidships were the five prisoners, in irons, and near them a squad of fcur armed men under a corporal. Aft on the quarter-deck stood Isodor, watch- by the side of his helmsman. e¥ Near him was Colonel Crittenden, talking to General Lopez, and on thestarboard side, group- ed together, smoking and talkin tone, were the members of the a dozen Patriot officers. Just astern of the War-Cloud came the Red ‘unta and half in a subdued _ a 4 / ,
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Belt, her decks. black with men, for all of the island force nearly had been ordered out to wit- ness the execution. The wind was very light, and the two pretty achts hardly made more than four knots an Lek: so that it was after one o’clock before Colonel Crittenden said: ‘*Tsodor, we are fully two leagues out, and I am anxious to land the Patriots and get well away from the vicinity of the island before dawn.” ‘Then I shall lay to here; but I wish that I had not been selected for this sad duty,” return- ed the youth, and he gave an order that at once brought the War-Cloud up into the wind, where |} she lay calmly rocking upon the swell. The Red Belt ran up close and came to, and then the silence that foilowed was painful. “All ready, Captain Christobal,” said the Junta’s President; and without a tremor came the order: ‘** All hands ahoy to witness execution!” Then Isodor gave an order to Seminole, and a platform, already prepared, was raised out over the port bulwark, and another command brought the execution squad into their position against the starboard bulwark, and two of thé con- demned men were marched to the death stand, the other three being led forward to witness the execution of their fellow-prisoners. ‘Ts there any vessel in sight?” asked General Lopez, and the sea was swept by glances, but only one sail, and that leagues away, was visi- e. ‘*T am glad that it is so, for we wish no re- ports to go into port of rece firing by night in these waters,” said Colonel Crittenden. The two men, first to die, then mounted the platform, groaning as they did so, and were placed upon the edge that overhung the water. They were heavily ironed, and a twelve-pound shot had been attached to their feet, that when they fell under the fire, they might sink quickly their graves beneath the sea, “ All ready, Senor Master,” called out Bonita and Isodor drew his Diamond Cutlass and stepped briskly forward. ** Attention, platoon!” The execution squad quickly obeyed, for they had been standing at a parade rest. ‘** Shoulder arms!” The order was promptly executed. ‘* You know how you are to fire, the six to the right, at the right-nand man, tho six to the left, at the man on the left. Roady! aim! fire!” The muskets pealed forth as one shot, and the two men sunk backward into the sea. en the next two were led upon the plat- form, the platoon loading their muskets mean- while, and once more Isodor gave the order that ushered two more souls into eternity, . As Binnacle was called hestepped forward and said: ‘Senor Captain, I will make a clean story of it for my life.” ‘* What have you to tell?” asked Isodor. ** All about the Spaniards.” ‘*There is nothing for you to tell that we do not know, for we are aware that they have their spies at work against us all the time, and you are not in any of their secrets.” *T will join the Patriots then, senor,” whined Binnacle. “We want no such man as you are in our ranks. ‘‘Lead him to the platform,” cried Isodor, and the guard dragged him away, while he begged piteously for his life. gain the order was given to the platoon to be ready, and the frightened man, with a shriek of terror, sprung backward off of .the platform before the order to fire came from Isodor’s lips, and sunk from sight forever beneath the waters, A sigh of relief broke from every heart, when all was over, farewells were said, God-speeds iven to Isodor upon his perilous cruise, and the ar-Cloud fell off upon the wind and sailed away in her voyage of danger, while the Junta, General Lopez and the others, returned to the Red Belt with Crittenden, and the yacht put back for the island retreat. Having eee the men, the Red Belt, with General Lopez and the Junta on board, moved briskly away from the island, under an increas- ing breeze, just.as the dawn broke. Standing upon the deck of his yacht, Duke Crittenden’s handsome face wore a cloud seldom seen there, and he murmured earnestly: ‘Heaven protect that poor boy, as well for his own as his sister’s sake, and the good he may do for Cuba. ’ ‘‘ But alas! the shadow of some coming evil seems to rest heavily upon my heart, and I can- not throw it off, strive as I may.” ee —_ oom 3 —— > - ~~ an iia — + pitino Bae 7 The Wild Yachtsman. — a. . — CHAPTER XII. THE NIGHT LANDING. UNDER a fair spread of canvas the War-Cloud started forth upon her errand, her boy com- mander at his post, his black crew ready to do his slightest bidding, and the Indian sailor, standing like a statue, gazing back over the wa- ters to where the Red Belt was visible in the moonlight, heading back toward the island. For the work he was to perform, no better person could have been selected to accomplish it, than was Isodor Christobal. He knew the coast as he did his own birth- place, for he had run into every nook, inlet and lagoon for leagues along the shores, on either side of Villa, Vista plantation. Bueno had been his constant companion, and he too was a thorough coast pilot. Then too the boy and his faithful negro com- panion had hunted in the mountains, ridden over the valleys and traversed the points from shore to shore of the island. If there was a secret nook anywhere, Isodor knew of it, and many a retreat was known to him, which was as a sealed book to others, as the boy had had a knack for finding out-of-the- way laces. So he was just the one to land a cargo upon the coast and know where to hide it. Still he could not do this alone, and the peril- ous duty devolved upon him of communicating with those who were to aid him. To do this he had already formed his plan. As the daylight drew near the wind increased, and as the War-Cloud went bowling along swift- ly, lsodor sought his cabin to rest, for the strain upon hini had been a severe one. After a run of several days, in which every vessel sighted had been avoided as much as possi- ble, the coast of Cuba was sighted just at sun- set, for the youth cared not to run close by day- ight ight. “Heading for a point near his old home, Isodor crowded on all sail, to get as near as possible to the shore before the moon should rise: ‘*‘T shall go ashore in my skiff, Bonita, so as not to carry the yacht nearer inshore than a league, and I will cast off, while under head- way, so youcan hold on down the coast, and return within an hour or two, and then if you get no signal, stand out to sea. “But return to-morrow night, and stand slowly along past Villa Vista, and, if I cannot come out I will display a red light at Sunset Rock; if I wish you to run in, I will show a blue one, and if I come off I will do so, meeting you a league off shore.” ’ ‘* Yes, Senor Master; but I wish you would let the Indian sailor take charge of the yacht, so I could go with you, as you might need me,” ‘No, Bonita, it is best that I go alone, and I wish you to come every night, running off and dropping the island by day, for one week; then, if 1 do not come off, or you get no word from me, return to the Retreat Island, as something will have happened to me.” ‘““You must be awful careful, Senor Master.” ‘*T will be, Bonita, for I live for far more than myself. I live for the cause of Free Cuba, my sister and my revenge,” and the youth went for- ward to order his light skiff brought on deck. It was a life-boat, light as a feather, yet stanch, and carried a mast and sail lashed on the bottom. Then there were two pairs of oars, a rudder and a locker. The boat was of metal, and in the bottom was a trap that could be raised, which would allow the water to rush in and sink it in a minute. To this was attached a line with a small buoy, so that the place where it sunk could be found again. “By means of lines attached. to the boat’s bow, stern and sides, it could be drawn up from the bottom and readily emptied of the water. Going into the cabin, Isodor was absent for quite a while, and then in the apparent negro youth that came upon deck, no one would have recognized the Cuban Boy Insurgent. He wore a woolly wig, his face was blackened to the exact hue of a negro, his dress was that of a Cuban house servant, and his disguise alto- gether was complete. But beneath this jacket he wore a pair of trusty revolvers, and in an inner pocket carried the dispatches sent by the Junta and General Lopez to the Insurgent chiefs in the island. The land was now not more than a league dis- tant, the yacht was sailing along parallel with the shore, and upon the sea side the skiff was put over into the water. Then Isodor said farewell to his faithful com- panions and casting off, was left dancing in the wake of the schooner. tS oe SS, hae es het eaaen eee” — He remained serene’ upon the waters until the War-Cloud was half a mile away, and then he took his oars, and puiled for the shore, the blades rising and falling noiselessly, and there being no sound in the rowlocks to reach an ear thirty feet distant. He saw the white walls of his ruined home loom up, as he turned his head and glanced ashore, and pulled for the little bay where he had so loved to row and swim in early boyhood, The ruined pier, charred and black, still re- mained, and he ran alongside, for he saw that he could make his way ashore along the still un- burnt timber, His oars were then made fast, the slide pulled out, and as the ‘boat sunk he stepped out upon the pier. Down to the bottom it went, and Ieaning over be took the little float and hid it beneath a tim- er. Then he made his way ashore, and ascending the hill to the sloping lawn, he soon stood before the ruined villa. The chirp of a cricket and the fall of the surf were the only sounds that reached his ears. With a heart full of emotion he stood gazing upon the home where he was born, and where he had passed so many days of happiness. ‘*T shall go mad if I remain here,” he said, and he passed on his way, winding around the spacious ruins of the once elegant mansion, going by the slaves’ quarters, and thence into a heavy forest. Rapidly he walked on his way, and with the air of one who knew well the path he trod. Passing through a gateway, he paused an in- stant and said: “Tt was here I parted with dear little Ninez, when Icame to Cuba last time, after the body of my poor father. ‘*] wonder if Ninez will be glad to see me? ‘« She at least would never know meas I am,” and he passed on his way. A walk of some distance brought him in sight of a light glimmering through the trees, and, as the moon was now up, he beheld the outline of a large mansion beyond the park. This he approached and started to the front door, but checking himself said: } ‘t Slaves go to the kitchen door, not the front.” So saying he went to the kitchen doorway, and suddenly a large dog sprung upon him. He clutched the animal by the throat, said something in a quick, sharp tone, and threw him from him. said: ‘‘ Well, that’s. the first time I ever saw that dog mastered, except by myself. ‘* Who are you, my man?” The speaker had been seated upon a back veranda, smoking, and had sprung toward Tsodor as he saw the dog make for him. The light of an open door shone upon him, re- vealing a young man with a striking face, slen- der sinewy form, above the average hight of Cubans, though he was evidently one of that peek Tsodor touched his hat politely and said: “IT come from the Aldawa Plantation, Senor Master, and I have a message for you,” The dialect of the Cuban negro was perfect that he used, and the young Cuban answered: ‘All right, my boy, give me the letter.” ‘“*T have no letter, senor, but a message, which master wished me to deliver to you in private, for it is important,” and Isodor spoke in a whis- per, ‘‘Come with me into i | library,” and the Cuban led the way into the handsome mansion. Passing an open door Isodor saw a well-fur- nished room, where sat an aged couple, listenin to a beautiful young girl of about fourteen ! aloud. He but glanced into the room, and then passed on into the one further along the hall. It was half library, half office, and then there were guns, fishing-rods, and relics of the chase scattered about, ; It.was the room of the young planter, where he kept his plantation books, received his slaves when they called to see him and spent: his leisure hours when not in the saddle, or about the lace. pe Well, my lad, I do not recognize you as one of the Aldawa slaves: are you a late purchase?” and the young planter turned and gazed upon ee supposed negro in the full glare of the ayop. Lyn “ Sup met, would you recognize me, #445 “T have seen you before,” was the puz#ted an- swer, ; “Yes, senor, I put you ashore from my yacht The animal skulked to his feet, while a voice ; pose I tell you, master, where we last - pA ae mapa Agra wr jeer se ae = ee ee ee ee Bee $ i "a a me en r, —- ett el
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ee am Se en aoe epee ATT? = 74 Ae een yp re ne ‘ > Mp Rs Poe ow a 77h tae thoughts: you; but here comes your bro’ The Wila Yachtsman. some months ago, off the Villa Vista,” and Iso- dor spoke in his natural voice. _“Tsodor! it is you?’ cried the Cuban planter in dire amazement. CHAPTER XIII. THE TWO PATRIOTS. ‘“‘Tsopor, no one on earth would ever have ?nown you, for a morecomplete metamorphosis, and better acting I never saw,” said Leon De soto, the wrone.Ceben planter, as he grasped the hand of the Boy Insurgent again and again. “Still, Senor Leon, Iam oa yIsodor Christo- bal, disguised as a negro, an J night gee you, for I come with dispatches from the Junta in New Orleans, from General Lopez and others, and I have the finest yacht you’ ever saw, loaded with an invaluable cargo for Cuban Patriots.” ‘ ‘God bless you, my friend! ‘You are indeed true to the cause of Cuba Libre; but where is our vessel?” x “Off the coast, and my faithful Bonita and crew on board.” , ; “Well, you must go with me to-night to one secret meeting, and there you wiilsee the Patriot chiefs in council.” ‘“T have come just in the right time; but I hate | to have them see me in disguise like this.” ‘ Better thus than that you be recognized and garroted, for your old enemy, Colonel Morelos, is full chief in this district now.” ‘Oh! that I had that man at arm’s length,” said isodor, speaking almost savagely. ‘‘'The time will soon come, Isodor, when I hope youmay have him so. ‘*As for me, he comes here to see me, treats me well, and pretends the greatest gratitude be- cause I once saved his life; but I cannot but feel that he is a snake in the grass, and is trying to _make use of me to catch others, for he knows my whole sympathy is with Cuba, and, as you know, my name was upon the ‘ Dead List’ as a Patriot leader, at the time your father and the others | met death at his hands, ‘* But Isodor, that was a most remarkable re- treat you made that night with your father’s body, and the Spaniards have you under sen- tence of a dozen deaths, it they can lay hands upon you. ‘** But, we must be off, so let me call my little sister Ninez and see if she will recognize you.” Isodor was anxious to see his little girl sweetheart, Ninez, and waited until Leon De Soto went to the sitting-room and called her. — - Bowing low, as the beautiful little girl enter- ed, Isodor said: ‘How do you do, senorita?” Ninez bowed, glanced at the supposed negro and then said: ‘¢ Brother told me I would meet an old friend in here; but I do not remember you. ‘‘ From whose plantation do you come?” ‘The Christobal Plantation, Senorita Ninez.” ‘* Ah! were you one of the slaves of the poor Don? . ‘* Yet still I do not recall you.” | ‘My name is Isodor, senorita,” was the low reply. ae A ‘ery escaped the girl's lips, and she sprung forward, checked her impulse to throw her arms bout the youth’s neck, and grasped his hands, while she cried: i ““Oh, why have you come here, Isodor? “On duty.” ‘But you are in such danger.” ‘So are all who dare to serve poor Cuba, Nines.” * Alas! it is too true; but no one would ever know you, Isodor.” “That is just what I am glad of, I assure : r, and I must "But Tah 1 you again?” urged the girl “ec t sha see 3 e . 3 I hope so,” an Leon De Soto entering, the _ two left the house together. The young planter bad himself saddled two horses, for he cared not to trust even his own faithful slaves with secrets that might leak out, and ting, the two friends rode away. The road taken by Leon De Boke wes through plan ward the c , for by fol- ap sandal have to cross the lo simpl Se ee eee to avoid all that highways, which they wish was le. ing side by side in the darkness, a silence fell upon the two, for both were busy with their the youth recalling the happy days of boyhood he ‘had passed there—now gone from him forever the Planter thinking of Es- trella Christobal, to whom he had o ered. his Jove long before, and received only friendship jm return. 5 ‘ ; ‘“You told me that the senorita was well, have landed to- ! a Isodor?” said Leon De Soto, at last breaking the silence. . “Yes, Senor Leon, and I must tell you of my run home in the sloop, after I brought you back.” And Isodor, who knew the love secret of Leon De Soto and wished to destroy all hope in his | heart that he could one dey win Estrella, told him of again meeting the young American, who two years before had saved them from the sink- ing the Spanish vessel that had given chase to him. He admired Leon De Soto greatly, loved him as he might a brother, but felt that his leve, | | leaving Isddor. being hopeless, should not be encouraged. ‘‘ And this young American, you say, Isodor, returned with you to your home on Mobile Bay?” sadly asked Leon. acket, and that he had protected him from | ‘* Yes; and Estrella greeted him most warmly, | for, as you know I told you, she had always loved him since he saved us from the sinking | cket.” i: And he?’ ‘Loves her, Senor Leon, and they are en- | cliff, aged,” ‘*T wish them every happiness, Isodor; but it ) PT ; ; | is a bitter blow to me,” sadly said De Soto. ** And Senor Leon, the Senor Crittenden has enlisted in the cause of Cuba, and the Junta have made hima colonel of cavalry, while he has placed his yacht at the disposal of General Lopez andthe Patriots, and will bring them here when the proper time comes for landing.” “This is noble of him, and I should like to know the gallant American, even though he ; wins a brevet I would give my life for; but tell me more of him.” tsodor told all he knew about Colonel Critten- | den, along with the movements of the Patriots | in America, the secret island, the mutiny and execution, and all that could possibly interest the young Cuban. ‘You are making a great name for yourself, Isodor, and, for a boy in years, you have more than done the work of a man.” “T hope to win a name, Senor Leon; but do you think it possible that a landing can be made to-night, for I am anxious to get the cargo secreted and return for another one?” ‘*T'll tell you what is best to do.” “Well?” ‘** At the forks of the road beyond here, you go on to the spot where you were to signal the yacht, and have her run in to the mouth of the agoon. ‘*“We have our retreat on the top of Rock Hill, and our boats are there, while we have der- ricks to lower them into the sea beneaih the cliff.” ‘That is a good idea.” ““There are seven boats, and these should ney the yacht in three loads each, and they will have but a hundred yards to row. ‘*T will go to the retreat, get the men to lower the boats and be in readiness by the time you get to the lagoon with the yacht. ‘‘ This will be best, for itis not yet midnight, and two hours will strip the yacht of her cargo.” At the place. where the plantation roads forked, the two friends, after some further ar- rangements together,parted, Leon De Soto riding toward a wooded hill a mile away, and Isodor in the direction of his old home of Vista Villa. CHAPTER XIV. “REVEALED BY THE MOONLIGHT, SWINGING to his belt, Isodor had a lantern, which was not lighted. It was a signal lantern, with slides of blue, white and red glass, and with it he was to sig- nal the yacht, The Sunset Rock, to which he made his way was a cliff that jutted out into the sea, and not unlike Rock Will, a mile further down the coast, which ove: hung the waters, although the top of the latter was believed to be inaccessible to the foot of man, and the summit was covered with heavy timber. Its bold front was over a hundred feet high, and its top several acres in size, while all around Sie inshore and seaward, was the face of the e Isodor, however, had one day discovered how to reach its summit, and the secret he had kept to himself, . He had been in pursuit of game, and coming upon @ cave hidden by a thicket, had, boy-like, boldly entered it. ee it too dark to see how far it extend- ed, he returned to the villa for Bonita, and with lanterns they had gone back to the place, daringly invaded the cavern, and following -its ‘ 9 | upward windings for half a mile, to their pepeeenents had come out upon the top of Rock ill. Both had faithfully kept the secret, until Iso- dor had told it to Leon De Soto when he had last been in Cuba, and the young planter had made it a rendezvous of Patriots. Derricks had been rigged on top, with the aid of the trees, so that boats could be hauled up and down, and these had been secured and taken there, while the sig Cubans, hiding in the mountains from Spanish soldiers, had gone | there to remain until duty called them. It was to this place Leon De Soto went, after He rode down on one side, gave a signal which was answered from above, and hitchin | his horse, he walked down to the shore an waited. Soon a boat came toward him, with two men. in it. A password was given and answered, Leon | De Soto sprung into the boat, and a pull of a hundred yards brought them to the face of the Ropes hung there down to the water, and with iron hooks upon the end. These were made fast to the bow and stern of the boat, a signal was given, and up into the air it went. Up, up, up, until strong hands seized it and dragged it upon the top of the cliff. Where stood nearly a hundred dark and silent men, who pressed about the young Cuban as he advanced toward them. ‘** Ah, Colonel De Soto. T am glad you have come, for a trim craft ~ off yonder’, as you see, and I wondered if she was a Spaniard,” and a Cuban, who appeared to be an officer, pointed to where the War-Cloud was sléwly ‘standing in toward a heavily-wooded point, where a lagoon emptied its waters into the sea. ‘* She is our vessel, Major Concha, and brings us a precious cargo— Hold! do not cheer, men, for we must be most cautious. ‘The vessel is the Cuban yacht War-Cloud, under the Boy Insurgent, Captain Isodor Chris- tobal, whom you all know. ‘* He will run into the lagoon, and you must at once lower all your boats, Senor Major, with full crews, and get the arms on the hill here by dawn.” ‘*Gladly!” cried the Cuban major, and the men at once set to work to lower the boats into the sea. The derricks had been strongly built, and worked well, and while the work of droppin the boats was in progress, Leon Desoto walked about the little camp. It was a snug place for a retreat, for the rock bowled a little in the center, and with its thick- et-fringed edge, completely hid the top from view from sea or shore. There were tents there, and stores of various kinds, and the place could have been held against ten thousand men with only a handful of de- fenders. : As all was in readiness, Leon De Soto and Ma- jor Concha descended‘in the last boat, and, with muffled oars pulled for the yacht, which had now run into the lagoon. ‘**Well, Bueno, I am glad to see you; but where is Senor Isodor?” **T have not seen him, Senor De Soto; but he gave me the blue sigral, from Sunset Rock, to run in and I did so,” <mswered Bueno. ‘‘ Did he go ashore in his own beat?” ‘Yes, senor.” ‘“* He should have been back before this, and I will land and look for him,” said Leon De Soto anxiously. Calling to a boat’s crew to set him ashore, he left the yacht, while the unloading process went on with haste, and care that no sound should be made to attract the ear of any prowling Spanish soldier. Arriving at the shore Leon De Soto sought the place where he had left his horse, and mount- ing, rode hastily toward Sunset Rock. Arriving there he found no trace of the youth, and fearing some harm had befallen him, he set out along the main highway leading through the Villa Vista. Plantation. “* He has doubtless gone by home. i _““Poor boy, what a sad sight to him, to behol his loved home in ruins. **T shall doubtless find him there brooding over his sorrows.” So saying he rode on his way, through the burned negro village, turned into the orna- mental grounds of the villa, now overgrown with weeds, and at last came in sight of the white walls Of the mansion. It was bright moonlight, and the Cuban plan- Poe an ee ee a ¥
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ath! ter drew rein as he beheld two forms upon the lawn before the front entrance to the eile: As he walked the sound of steel clashing against steel came to his ears, and spurring for- ward he cried: *Tsodor has run upon the Spaniards!” CHAPTER XV. WELL MET. Ir will be remembered that Isodor Christo- bal was last seen riding toward Sunset Rock, from which position he had agreed with Bueno to signal him whether to run in with the yacht, or put to sea again until the next night. e arrived upon the spot just at midnight, as he saw by glancing at his watch. The moon was on the wane, but it was a clear night; and the War-Cloud was sighted, a league off-shore, cruising slowly along. . Lighting his lantern, Isodor displayed the blue-light signal, waving it several times around his head. Bueno was doubtless on the watch, for in less than half a minute the yacht was seen to head shoreward. Isodor watched her until he saw her steering for the place agreed upon, the mouth of the la- goon, just above Rock Hill, and then he turned and rode slowly away. — Taking the road that led to Villa Vista, in about ten minutes he rode up to the ruin. For a long time he sat upon his horse, his thoughts busy with bitter memories, Then, as he was about to ride down to the shore, where he had told Leort De Soto he would leave his horse, and go off in his skiff, which it will be remembered he sunk alongside of the pier, he heard the sound of hoof-falls, He naturally thought that it was Leon De Soto, for who else could it be?” But his: eyes fell upon a horseman coming from the main highway, and riding directly to- ward the villa. Drawing his horse back into the unused wing of the mansion, Isodor quickly dismounted, and hastily deposited a long bundle which he had carried with him from the yacht. It was in fact the Diamond Cutlass, which he wished to be the instrument of his revenge upon his foes, should he meet them in personal en- counter, and which he would not go without, so had carried it with him to the De Soto mansion and back. Then he glided through the ruined building and stood in the arch of the front hallway. From there he could see just who it was that was seeking that spot in the night. Hardly kad he gained the doorway, when the horseman appeared in sight. © He rode directhy toward the front entrance, and halted within a few paces of the door. The moonlight shone full upon him, and it re- vealed the face of a Spanish major, one who had been most anxious to carry out the cruel orders of execution upon Don Christobal and his fellow-Patriots. Tn disguise, Isodor had stood near and seen his father and his comrades die under the cruel garrote, and that man now before him had given the orders in a way that showed he gloated over the red work he had to perform. “Tt is Major Barnabe Buriel, the man who has murdered Cubans without compunction, and who delighted in seeing my father die. ‘“Why he has come here, God only knows, unless it is that a strange fatality has led him here to his doom, / ** Ah! he speaks.” So hissed the boy, standing within ten feet of the horseman. The moonlight revealed a face far from pre- possessing, bearded, dark and forbidding. But he wore the uniform of a Spanish major, and had proven himself a fitting one to\crush ' the germ of freedom in the heart of a Cuban Patriot. Many a wail of woe had Major Barnabe Bu- riel caused to ascend from Cuban homes, and _ now little dreaming of such a thing, he was face to face with the youth, about whose father’s neck he had fastened the iron collar of the gar- rote, while he smiled in the face of his helpless victim and spoke words of bitter insult, ‘* Why on earth did that girl appoint to meet me here?” said the Spanish major aloud. “Tt may be convenient for her, coming as she does from her home in the hills, but it is a place I do not like. **T wish Colonel Morelos had come himself, or sent some one else, for I veep | 1 —_ Fig the a __ form of Don Christobal, whom _ “ What can the girl want anyhow?” _ _ “Colonel Morelos seems Na? oar great confi- dene in her, and it is true that she gave him | ‘ The Wild Yachtsman. the information that led to the capture and exe- cution of Don Christobal and his fellow-con- spirators. a “The girl is a Cuban, or half-breed Indian, or something of the sort, and acted from revenge, because the Don, I believe, had put her lover, Rafael Ramirez, to death, because he was about to sell out the secret of revolt. ‘*Since then she has been laid up ill, or in- jured, I believe, at her home in the mountains, and now sends word to Morelos that she has important news for him, and I am sent here to receive it. ‘*Curse the girl! I wish she would come! but then Iam ahead of the time appointed for the meeting here,” and Major Buriel glanced uneasily about him. Every word that he had uttered Isodor heard, and quietly leaving his place he slipped back through the ruin, Secured his bundle, and mak- ing a flank movement, began to approach the Spaniard from the rear. The horse started,as he began to cross the lanes, and the Spanish major turned quickly in his saddle. ** Hal who comes there?” he cried. ‘It’s only me, master,” cried Isodor, speak- ing humbly, and in the Cuban negro Spanish patois. ‘* And who are you?” ‘*Me only slave, Senor Master.” ‘* What are you doing here?” ‘*Me come to see Spanish senor.”, ‘“ What Spanish senor?” “* Don’t know, senor; but senorita sent me,” ‘* Ah! did some one send you here to see a Spanish officer?” ‘Yes, senor.” ‘* Who was it?” ‘¢ Senorita who lives in mountains.” ** Ah, yes; the Senorita Fanita, whose father is known as the Indian Hermit?” “ Yes, senor. ” ‘She lives with her old father in the moun- tains?” ““-Yes, senor.” *€ And she send you?” “¢ "Yes, senor.” “ Are you her slave?” ‘** No, senor, she Indian senorita, and have no slave.” ‘“ Whose slave are you?” ‘‘ Me belong to this plantation, senor.” ‘¢ Ah, yes, you were the Don’s boy?” ‘¢ Yes, senor,” ‘¢ Where do you live now?” “Me run away when villa was burned, and me live in mountains.” ‘“*T see; well, what word the Senorita did Fanita send?” . ‘She expected to come herself, to meet Span- ish officer, and tell him some news; but she was sick, so sent me.” ‘* What did she say you must tell me?” “ That you are my prisoner, Major Barnabe Buriel !” came the startling response of Isodor, and in a Voice that rung like a bugle’s notes, and little like the reat re 2 humble negro tone in which he had before spoken to the Spaniard. CHAPTER XVI. PHE DUEL AT THE RUINED VILLA. As Isodor Christobal, the young Insurgent, uttered the words, he seized the rein of the Spaniard’s horse in a grip cf iron, and at the same time thrust a revolver under his face. , Major Barnabe Buriel was at heart a coward, as most cruel men are. He was amazed at the act of the supposed negro, taken off his guard, and felt that he was wholly in his power. What did it mean, was the question the Span- iard mentally asked himself, and he turned livid with fear, while he gasped forth: ‘¢ Who are you?” ‘*One who will allow you @ chance for your life, though you do not deserve it.” ‘You are no negro?” “Oh, no,’ “*- Your face is black.” “That black will wash off, but that which is on your heart, blood cannot erase, though it may purify.” “What do you want with me?” ‘Your life!” ** Would you kill me?” “Ves, if you cannot heart.” ‘How can I, when you cover me with a re- volver?” Ee ‘“*T will give you the chance,”and Isodor drew from the holster on the Spaniard’s belt a small revolver, and then took the large pistols from ‘the saddle holsters, defend your craven ‘* You have me in your power.” eit ‘And shall keep you so until I get ready te allow you to act.” oe ‘* What would you have me do?” “ Fight me.” : ‘* How can I?” jit ‘*You have a sword.” ** And you a revolver?” ‘We will be on equal terms soon.” ° ‘*T hope so,” groaned the Spaniard. ‘* Come, dismount!” Major Buriel hesitated. ‘Obey, or I pa trigger!” The Spaniard quickly obeyed. **Draw your sword!” He did so. ““Now stand right here, on the blackened stones that were over the entrance to this villd,”” and Isodor led his prisoner to a spot directly in front of the entrance to the ruined villa. “Now, Major Barnabe Buriel, you see that I am also armed with a sword, and with it I in- tend to meet you in a duel that shall be to the death.” ‘Who are you?” and the Spaniard’s voice quivered. ** Do you see this cutlass?” and Isodor drew it out of the leather case in which he had carried Crear ‘‘ Ah! I should know that blade!” “Yes, it was given to Captain Atares, a Spaniard who has gained the name of The Butcher, and which name you deserve also, as you are just as cruel to Cubans.” “Where did you get that cutlass?” “T took it from Butcher Atares.” “By Heaven! you are the Boy Insurgent, Isodor Christobal?” , “Lara ** And what do you here, in Cuba, where a ; price is upon your head?” haughtily demanded : the Spaniard. ‘ ‘**T came for revenge.” : The Spaniard shuddered, and Isoder con- tinued: *T am here, in disguise, senor, as I do not mind telling you, for I hope to kill you ina very few minutes.” ‘* Would you murder me?” ** You know better, for I would not place my- self on a par with you. on ‘*T am here, as I said for revenge. ae “T killed Captain Merida in a duel, I have ty shot my foes, when they have attacked me, and i Ea I intend to fight you a fair duel. ai ‘Tf L kill you, and I believe that TI shall do so. Ply I will meet Captain Atares, the Butcher, an | Colonel Morelos, and then my private feuds rt 2A will have ended, and I shall strike in open bat- eel tle for Cuba alone. ‘‘But_you, Senor Barnabe Buriel, put my fa- ther to death, and I witnessed how cruelly you it, taunting him to the last instant of his ife. ; ‘‘ Now, senor, raise your blade and fight for your life for T warn you that I shall kill you, if I can, and with this sword cf Atares the Butcher, “Draw, Senor Major and fight for your lifo and Spain, while I fight fer revenge and Cuba!” As he spoke, Isodor sent the revolver he had held, down upon the ground, and atonce sprung — forward to attack the Spaniard. Male Buriel hastily raised his sword an@ cried: “Then for life and Spain I fight, boy.” “Ay, Sir Spaniard, for life and Spain you fight, and I for revenge and Cuba,” answered sodor, ; Instantly the two became engaged in a fierce duel,’ and it was at this moment that Leon De Soto sighted them, and came riding rapidly to- ward the spot. — , Isodor feared it was a Spaniard coming tothe rescue, and fought desperately to kill his enemy before he should come up. if Major Buriel deemed it an ally of the young, — Cuban, and strove to kill hs adversary 6 ag toe be able to defend his life agaixst the other, The Spaniard was a fine swordsman, as jn-f deed mos* Spaniards are, and he fought with fierce energy; but Isodor was asuperior hand = with a blade, in spite of his years, and he wasas tough as iron, while Major Buriel was toolazy to keep up his practice, and consequently became — soon tired, - Ras Noting this Isodor pressed him harder, and more fiercely, and, just as Leon De Soto drew — rein, he drove his sword through the body ofthe t Ms = 4 Na den‘Z oa) paniard. : Drawing it out quickly, as Major Buriel sunk upon the ground with a bitter wail of anguish, he turned, and raising the stained blade cried defiantly : Dae RAR. ene
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And you too, Sir Spaniard!” __. “Ho, Isodor, would you attack me?” and Leon . _ De Soto sprung to his side. Ot ae * Ah, senor, I did not expect to see you here, so thought you an ally of Buriel the Butcher,” said Isodor, and he grasped the outstretched hand of his friend, who seemed amazed at the Me ay scene he had run u;on, there under the shadows pee of the ruined villa. CHAPTER XVIi. A GIRL AVENGER. “Wen, Isodor, you have done for Major Barnabe Buriel,” cried Leon De Soto, as he _sprung to the side of the prostrate Spaniard and saw that he was dead. , ; “Yes, and in killing him I have done Cuba a service, outside of my personal revenge,” was the quiet answer. “But where is his escort?” ‘“‘ He came here alone.” « Are you sure 9” ** Yes,” “‘ But for what motive?” ‘*T will tell you,” and Isodor related what he had heard the Spaniard say in talking to him- self. “* Ah! that woman is bent on some mischief, Isodor, and I fear her more than I do all the Spanish scouts and spies.” “So do I, senor.” Since the day when we witnessed your fa- ther’s execution, and in driving home my coach- man ran over her, I have felt at rest, believing that she was laid up at her home in the moun- tains. ‘* But now that you tell me what Major Buriel said, it is certain that he came here to meet her _ and she is therefore again plotting mischief, an even now may be watching what is going on in the lagoon.” ** True.” \ ‘She knows this shore perfectly, and, with her on her feet again, I would not feel safe with the retreat, even on the top of Rock Hill.” ‘Nor I, senor.” “But what can be done?” “You know that the Spaniard said he was ahead of time, as I told you?” “ Yes. ” ‘¢ She certainly will come here, if she made an *« Unless what, senor?” ** She has seen what has happened.” «¢ We must risk that.” a“ How ?? “By remaining here to meet her.” “But for what p ?” “To capture her.” ‘‘ Capture a woman, Isodor?”’ ‘Cuba is to be more thought of than a wo- | moen’s-freedom.” ¥ ‘But what would you do with her, Isodor?” “Take her off with me on the yacht.” __ a“ ” “There she could do no harm, and I would hold her asa prisoner until we had landed our cargoes and General Lopez had arrived.” “ey Not a bad idea; but it would kill her old cc! iy fates for he would believe her dead, and he _ Jives for her alone.” **T will fix that.” “How?” “‘T will not take time to explain now, for we must romptly.” * And do what?” _ “You drag the body there into the hallway, and keep hidden, while I will lead your horse -_' beyond yonder wing and mount the iards.” The Cuban planter felt that Isodor had some good plot in his mind, so quickly obeyed. The Spaniard was dragged into the hallway, - the Cuban’s horse led out of sight, and mounting ‘richly-caparisoned animal that had been ‘ridden thither by Major Barnabe Buriel, Isodor 4 to ride to and fro in front of the ruin. _ Still in his disguise as a negro, he certainly sage what he pretended taal oars, while De Soto held her, for she tried to- throw herself overboard, bound as she was, he: rowed rapidly out of the bay and then along the~ shore to where the yacht lay in the Jagoon: Bee os The crew were becoming alar at the stay of Isodor, as the Patriots were y there load-- ing up their last boat.
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“a 12 Pp ate emcee Soh aie aE ee SE ee — ; oe eae The Wild Yachtsman. But he said, simply, without excuse, for his mes > ‘*Here, Seminole, help me aboard with this woman.” The Indian raised her in his strong arms, ‘and, by Isodor’s order, carried her mto the | cabin, “Take the but do not un securely.” gag from her mouth, Seminole, ind her hands, and guard her ‘*Me will,” was the reply of the Indian, and | seeing that the rein was very tight about her slender wrists, Isodor said: inform Colonel Morelos, and death to them by the garrote would quickly follow. ‘* You know of our secret retreat, and I am determined that you shall not make it known to our foes, so I take you with me as captive, until your reports.to Morelos can do us no harm. ‘** Now write to your father, as I suggest, that he may not suffer on your account.” “You are a strange boy, man, or whatever I ean call you, for man you have certainly proven yourself, ‘Give me pen and paper and I will write.” The articles were handed to her, and hastily, = - — é ward, Bueno seated amidships, and Semmole at the helm. ‘* Senorita, your fate is to return to Cuba, as soon as we accomplish a certain purpose and you can do us no harm,” returned Isodor. ‘‘Senor Isodor, I would wish to do you no harm; but oh! that you knew the feeling of re- venge as I know it, and you would not blame me,” she said, with great earnestness, Senorita Fuentes, few feel deeper revenge in their hearts than I do; but I make this dis- : crimination, not to strike the innocent for the guilt say is you have spoken upon this subject, let me continue it and say that you acted madly for you sought to strike without knowledge o who had wronged you, for you considered your- self wronged, while J deem that a favor was done you in preventing you from becoming united to the man you loved. “T jiked Rafael Ramirez greatly, and, though warned against his friendship by those who in a bold hand she wrote as follows: “My Dear FaTHer:— ‘Circumstances of a most important nature will detain me from home for some time, perhaps sev- eral weeks, for lam ona duty that will prevent my returning home. “Do not worry about me, for I am safe and well, and the very earliest moment I will come back to you, Fanita.”’ This she addressed: ‘*Untie her, Seminole, for her bonds seem to 3 : hhurt her, and I feel that you can prevent her } escape.” ‘**Me will,” came the low response, and a mo- feb” ment after Fanita sat glaring at her Indian ri guard, and looking as though she would like to epeing upon him and kill bim; but there was ‘that about the Seminole that made her hesitate, for she had felt his great strength, as he bore | her into the cabin, and sho had no weapons “with which to strike him, as Leon De Soto had wholly disarmed her. CHAPTER XIX. THE CAPTIVE, Wuen Isodor went on deck, after leaving his strange captive in charge of Seminole, he found ‘the Cuban Patriots about to depart with the last ‘boat-load. Hé gave the dispatches he had to Leon De ‘Soto, who promised to deliver them as addressed, ‘received a full statement of just how matters stood, and promising to return within -the ‘shortest possible time with another cargo,offered his hand to say farewell. ‘* My love to Ninez, Senor Leon,” he said. “Yes, Isodor, and she will be glad to know ‘how successfully you have done your work. ** Pray sand say that before very long I hope to welcome -her to Cuba Libre.” ‘Heaven grant it, senor.” ‘* And, Isodor, what will you do with your captive?” ‘‘Carry her with me, that there will be no danger of her betraying all that she knows.” ‘ But her father?” i “Ah! I had forgotten him; come into the cabin with me and see if she will be willing to write him a letter that you will see delivered.” _ “Yes, I will send it to him in some way.” Entering the cabin the two friends beheld Fanita looking like a tigress at bay, as she sat ‘near the Indian, who was stolid as ever, but watchful. ‘* Senorita, I have come to have a word with -you,” said Isodor. ' She made no reply. ‘‘ That you may feelat ease, let me say that I ‘mean you no harm; but I am equally determin- -ed that you shall do us no harm, and for that reason I shall take you on a cruise with me on ‘thé War-Cloud. y “That state-room and this cabin is at your ser- vice, and you will not be troubled in any way, while [I pledge you my word some day I will bring you back in safety to your home in “Cuba.” d Still no word, and Isodor continued: **] know that your father is getting old, and fearful that he may believe you dead, I have -come to suggest that you write him a letter.” She node her head. ‘This letter,” continued Isodor, ‘‘ Colonel De ‘Soto here will see reaches him, in it vouhad better say you are engaged in a work that will arry you away for a few weeks, but at the end of that time he shall hear from you. “Tt will relieve his mind, and save him much “sorrow on your account,” “Do you think of an old man’s feelings, when syou are one to make a’ woman captive?” was the fierce question of the girl. ‘* Senorita, are you aware who I am?’ . ‘Yes, I recognize you by your voice, in spite of your blackened face.” “Who antl?” — ‘‘ Isodor, the Boy Insurgent.” ** Yes, I am the son of the man whom you be- trayed to his death, and I am revengeful, but ‘not to a woman, . ‘“‘T have made you a captive, yes, and I intend “to hold you assuch; but it is not from revenge- ful motives.” ; ““Why then?” ‘©T am surprised that you ask it.” **T do ask why?” se , were you free, within a few days ‘this , Leon De Soto, and a hundred others would be sacrificed by you, for you would give my remembrances to your sister |. “To Senor FvENTEs, j “* The Sailor Hermit,” and handed it to Isodor, who in turn placed it in the band of Leon De Soto, who at once arose, | and tock his departure, the young captain fol- lowing him to the deck, and Seminole, the In- dian sailor, remaining in the cabin to still guard the captive, “Will you say that I would like to speak with the senor before he goes?’ suddenly asked the girl, and Seminole arose to doher bidding, when, quick as the spring of a tigress she was upon him, shoving him headlong into a corner, and with a’ bound was up the companionway and overboard into the sea. The loud splash, as she struck the waters, told | Isodor and Leon De Soto what had occurred, and at that instant up the companionway bounded Seminole, and he was in the sea not ten seconds behind her. “Quick! Keep an eye out for her from that boat!” cried Isodor, addressing the two negroes, who were waiting in the skiff to row De Soto ashore, and every eye was strained upon the water. Soon she arose, and almost by her side, as though he had intuitively known which direction she would dive, was Seminole, Instantiy the two disappeared again, and, when they again arose the Seminole had her clasped in his strong arms. The two negroes sent the skiff flying. toward them, and the captive was taken on board. She was panting for breath and savage; but ps nothing, as Seminole again bore her into the cabin. ‘*T breathe freely again, now that she is once more your captive, Isodor,” said De Soto, as he grasped the youth’s hand in farewell, and sprung into the skiff, ‘* T will set you ashore, Leon, while you, boys, get the anchor up and sail on the schooner as quickly as rod as we have only an hour and a half of darkness left,” and Isodor took the oars. ‘** Senor, be good enough to do me a favor,” he said_as they reached the shore, *“Yes, Isodor.” r ‘Here is a sword that has my name upon it, and I beg you to take it to the spot where Major Buriel lies and leave it.” ‘You wish the Spaniards to know that you are his slayer?” ‘Yes, I wish them to know that I am still on the track of revenge.” ‘*T will do it,” said Leon De Soto, and he kept his word, arriving home just_at dawn, and get- ting his horse, and the one Isodor had ridden, back in their stalls, just before dawn, and with- out discovery. In the mean time, the War-Cloud was flying seaward under a seven-knot breeze, and when the sun arose the island of Cuba was leagues astern. CHAPTER XX. A STORY OF CRIME, PA is ea I would know what my fate is to It was Fanita Fuentes who spoke, and she ad- dressed her question to Isodor Christobal, who tood upon the deck of his yacht, his eyes eager- y glancing to catch the first sight of land, for it was some days after leaving Cuba, and the island retreat of the Cuban Patriots must soon come in view, It was near the sunset hour, the wind was balmy and free, and the War-Cloud was slip- ping along over the waters, her black crew for- ‘ ia knew him best, 1 still clung to him. ‘“* It was I that asked him to ally himself as a, | Cuban with the Patriot cause, and he became one of our League, I trusting him where others doubted, ’ ‘* What was his return for that trust in him? He sought to betray us, not from hatred—for his interests wére allied with us and with Cuba | —but he betrayed us for gold! ‘‘He sold out his home, his kindred, his friends, for gold, and to gain that Le was will- ing to see brave men perish. “Tt was I that saw him in his secret inter- view with Captain Merida, and it was I that informed upon him, ‘My father, and not one cf those who were murdered with him, ever knew of his treachery, for I gave the order for his execution!” §§ You 1” : ‘* Yes, senorita, for he was tried, by our law of protection, and sentenced to death,” ‘“* But did he gain this gold through treachery to you?” and her voice wus barely audible, ‘* He received one payment of gold and would have received more, had he not been slain; but to prove to you that he could be treacherous to | you also, as wellas to us, I will ask you if he had not asked you to become his wife?” “ce Yes. ” ‘Are you aware that he was already mar- ' ried?” ‘No! no! no! it is false!” “Tt is true.” **- You have no proof of this.” | **T have,” ‘*T defy you to show it.” “Do you see yonder dark speck dead ahead, senorita?” | “ce Yes. ” “Tt is land.” ‘¢ Well?” : ‘Tt is the free land of America, an island off the mainland.” “Well?” “Upon that island are a number of Cuban patriots, and vast quantities of arms and stores, awaiting transportation to Cuba.” F “ What has that to do with Rafael Ramirez?” ‘‘ Among those patriots isa young man who was once a rich planter in Cuba.” ‘*T care not for him.” ‘““He knew Rafael Ramirez, and they were as brothers in the eyes of the world.” “Well?” } cash ‘*Rafael Ramirez led him into dissipation, to gambling, and day by day won from him his in- eritance until he had gotten all.” ‘* Ts this true?” ‘¢T¢ is not the worst.” “*Go on!” ** The young man had a lovely sister, who de- wae Rafael Ramirez.” ‘* He soon squandered the fortune he had won from her brother and forbidden the house by him, he urged the sister to fly with him. “She did so, they were married in Havana—” “Tt is false!” ‘They were married in Havana,” “Tsay it is false!” almost shrieked the wo-— man, “Tt is true, for he not only married her, but fled to America with her and there deserted her while he returned to Cuba. ‘Her brother had followed them, and, after a while found his sister living in wretched pov- e A "Tine had intended to kill Ramirez, but she a “4g urged him not to do so, and the two remained in America, gaining what work they could to sup- _ rt them, and then, longing to get home, back __ Cuba, where they hoped tosave something — - = +. - 7 ap er 4 eA + © 4s NG idem 3
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from their wrecked fortunes, they volunteered among the other Cubana Patriots, the girl cutting off her hair and in man’s attire passing as such. “One day an old friend recognized the brother knew the history of both, and told General Lopez, who at once placed the poor woman under the care of noble Cuban ladies in New Orleans, where she now is, while her brother, a Patriot officer, is on yonder island, and will vouch for all that I have told you, so that you can see how vile was the man you_ loved, and for whom you sacrificed so ne splendid lives, ‘Now, senorita, you know all, and I can only say that if I carry you back to Cuba with me when I return in a few days, it will be to make you serve me well.” ““T will never do it,” she said harshly. “Oh, yes, yon will, I think.” ‘“Never! for, though you may have told the truth about Rafael Ramirez, you took his life, by your own gonfession—” ‘*T ordered his execution.” “Tt is the same thing, and never will I do one act to serve you.” 7 “We will see, senorita,” quietly said [sodor, and he turned away, leaving the girl to her own thoughts, and bitter indeed they were. CHAPTER XXI. THE RETURN CRUISY, \ Ir was an hour after nightfall, when the War- Cloud ran into the little island harbor and dropped anchor. Isodor went ashore at once, leaving the cap- tive still under the charge of Seminole. He reported his arrival to the commandant of the Patriot forces on the island, and havin told him to get another cargo ready, he sta with Bueno in a small sail-boat to go to New Orleans, to communicate with the Cuban Junta. Running up the lake, he landed at the home of an old fisherman that Buend= knew, and se- a horse and cart drove to New Orleans. He visited the head-quarters of the Junta, and surprised them while in council. At sight of him they gave a cheer and all sprung to their feet, Colonel Crittenden grasp- ing his hand warmly, and saying hurriedly; Ps . Your sister is well, for I saw her but yester- a few words Isodor reported the result of his cruise, how he had found the Patriots. pre- ring for the apis , his fatal meeting with ajor Barnabe Buriel, and the capture of Fa- 4 \ nita. — : : “y “That girl desrves death,” sternly said one. . ‘« Yes, she must die,” remarked another. “It is a fearful thing to haye to put a woman to death, but she caused the Spani to mur- ‘der a number of our noble comrades, led them hs ome our hiding-places, and prevented the 1 blow from being struck that would certainly have freed Cuba.” ““ She must die.” ‘« Ay, she shall!” ‘ Such were the threatening words that ran around the circle, as the Patriots dwelt upon _ the.enormity of Fanita’s crimes... : ie ““Senors, I am sorry to hear you speak as you do, for I am not one to see a woman put to death, whatever her crime may have ” said Isodor sternly. “You cannot save her, Senor Isodor, through e your kindness of heart,” said one of the Junta, “You certainly are not. in earnest, when you say that she must die?’ T-odor remarked. ‘Assuredly, for I shall send word to the Tsland to have her executed by the garrote at once. “What say yon senors?” and the Junta’s _ chief turned to bis fellow officials, ; bowed in acquiescenes, when Isodor, springing to his feet cried earnestly; “Senors, I yield to you, yes, in all that per- tains to my duty as 4 Cuban Patriot; but I cap- tured Fanita Fuentes, and I told her no harm ‘should befall her, and it shall not.” - “Boy, do you dare go against the will of the | Junta?” sternly said the President. | _“Ay do I, when it is to put a woman to ; _ death, and I say it shall not be!” : i tes Every Cuban was on his feet in an instant, _ and dark looks were turned upon the youth. ea Senors, it was my father whom that wo- arts man’s act caused to be murdered, and I have _ -~—s« suffered more than any of you who stand here, ay, and I have risked my life in Cuba’s cause - more mit hw, urder of a wo. The Wild Yachtsman. was going to be trouble all saw, w Duke Crittenden, who had calmly kept his sagt, now arose and said in his deep-toned voice and im- pressive way: “*Senors, I offer my resignation at once, if you are determined to press this matter, and do that which would well become the Spaniard known as Atares, the Butcher.” A look of amazement rested upon the faces of those who had urged the execution of Fanita, and they were becoming black with passion at being bearded in their own quarters, when Gen- | eral Lopez said: ** Senors of the Junta, my sword shall also be sheathed, if you urge this disgrace to come upon us, for I will not advance one step to de- fend Cuba, when her bright name is stained with a woman’s blood.” Xf The members of the Junta saw that they had gone too far, and that they must. withdraw from their position, so, in a few well-chosen remarks the President said that, blinded by passion and grief they had urged that which in their thought- ful moments could never have held place in their hearts, and that-Captain Christobal was free to do with his captive as he deemed best. Isodor bowed, and oil had been poured upon the troubled waters. Then it was decided that Isodor should take another cargo to the island, make known to Colonel Leon De Rot that all was in readiness for the uprising, and upon his next voy. he would be accompanied by the yacht Rod Belt, and both vessels. would be loaded down with gallant Patriots, come to strike the blow that would free their loved Cuba, An. hour after Isodor was on his way once more to the Island Retreat, and the following night the War-Cloud set sail on the second com- ing to the Ever Faithful Isle, and in her cabin, stilla captive, was Fanita the Hermitess, who had seen the brother of the maiden whom Rafael Ramirez had made his wife, heard his story of the cruel treatment his sister had received at the hands of the treacherous Cuban, and, with a heart that was well-mgh breaking, the revenge- ful girl cared not what fate awaited her at the hands of her foes. CHAPTER XXII, THE SAILOR HERMIT. AGAIN is the daring little yacht approaching the coast.of Cuba. It is night, and the dark shores loom up fore- pena before the eyes of those who stand upon her deck. They are but few, the same who once before oe the desperate gantlet in the cause of Cuba ibre, - They are Isodor Christobal and his crew of slaves, with Seminole, the Indian sailor. The one exception is Fanita Fuentes. She sits alone in the cabin, for Isodor has ask- ed her to go there a half hour before, as he does not know what she may do.” He fears to trust her, for a wild cry for help might reach the ear of some one, ard pigs all. ‘** Will you go in-shore in the yacht, Senor Master?” asked Bueno, who stood at the helm. “Yes, for we can hide there, while lying off here may attract attention. “Head for the lagoon, and call me if the sig- nal agreed upon is displayed from Rock Hill.” So saying, or descended to the cabin, hav- ing motioned to the Seminole to stand at the companionway, Fanita sat in VAGERCE. er, face was very beautiful, yet very stern and she looked also sod. Porat aa * ‘Senorita, we are within a league of Cuba,” said Isodor, ‘“And within two leagues of my home, that means.” “6 Yes.” { ‘*T hope I will find my father well.” ““T hope so, for rome sake, that he is well. “But, senorita, I have come to speak to you upon an important matter.” an easy seat, her eyes fixed upon “T wish to have your father come here,” 7 On board this yacht?” wes. 7 ‘ Ly ’ : That I will explain after he has come; but I now wish you.to write him 4 line.” ‘; What shall I say?” Ask to come here.” saw a light in his cabin.” : tes tio 1 to,scef” es, I was the shores for hts, and saw bis.” tin ‘| 80 we will i 13 “* Are you sure?” ‘‘T know this coast, senorita, better than I dea your face.” ‘Well, what do you wish?” ‘ ‘That you will ask your father tocome here.” “You mean him. po harm?” ¥ Have my actions toward you proven that I. ae No.” “Then write as I dictate, please.” She turned to the table, and picking up a pen, wrote after Isodor’s dictation: “ParHer:—!I have returned to Cuba, after a forced absence of some time. “IT cannot now come home, so wish you to come: to me. “The bearer of this will guide you. “*T will explain when I see you. “FanitTa,”” ‘Thank you,” and Isodor walked on deck. ‘Seminole, watch her as you would a wild beast,” he said, and the Indian entered the: cabin; ‘Bueno, I will take the helm while the skiff ready, for I wish you to go to of the Hermit Sailor.” ‘**Yes, Senor Master.” ‘Give him this letter, and say that he is to: follow you,” ‘* Yes, senor,” “Tsodor then took the helm, and kept the: yacht headed for the lagoon, while Bueno got: the skiff ready, and, as the War-Cloud moved. into the mouth of the inlet, he put the light craft: overboard and rowed swiftly away in the dark- ness. Upon the prow of Rock Hill a blue light was. visible, and this told the youth that all was safe. for him to venture in. Hardly had the anchor been lowered into the water when a boat ran out of the dark shadows: of the shore and came er Instantly it was covered by half-dozen mus-- kets, held in the hands of the black crew, while: Isodor said sternly:, ‘* Ahoy! who are you?” “The War-Cloud,” and Leon De Soto sprung: on board, 7 greeting between the two friends was a. warm one, and De So’ i ou gets e home: to said: “T was riding with Ninez this afternoon, and. saw your ape a long way off, so after dark came: to Rock Hill, and here I am to greet you.” senor?” “ Yes, ” ’ “* And Colonel Morelos?” “Ts behaving like an enraged tiger, for he has arrested several on suspicion.” \ ; ‘‘ But has no trace of your retreat?” ** None.” ‘** And the League still exists in good ” ‘* Yes; and there are two hundred men in the retreat, while all that we can trust are warned to be ready to rally at an instant’s notice,” “Good! and I have brought you even a more valuable cargo than before.” “‘That is grand; but; Isodor, Morelos was: bc ; about the death of Major Barnabe Bu- riel, ‘* Indeed!” _“*He came himself to the villa to look after him, as he did not return, and found him lying there dead, with your sword by his side.” “‘It doubtless showed him that an avenger was on the track of the brutal Spaniards who treat us like wild beasts.” “Indeed it did; and though he tried to keep Buriel’s death a secret, it leaked out, and you are known on the island now as the Weird Aven- er, ‘T hope to do other work that will hurt them, jaar Senor Leon, my next aim shall be Mo- relos. ‘But how can you get at him?” : ek have a little plan I will soon make known ‘0 you. “© And the girl?’ ‘*T brought her back with me.” ‘You do not intend to set her free?” ‘* Ah, no, but to:make her useful.” ‘* You would not trust her?” “Not even in my sight. pan am glad to hear that; but tell me of your “I did not seo her this time; but Colonel ~ Crittenden told me she was well.” Leon De Soto sighed, and Isodor asked: ** An your and Ninez?” - ‘ “* Are well, while Ninez begged hard to come with me.” 60 CMa fk “Tt is better not; but there come the boats, eich rine Oy bpm Page: mins lh came alongside of the yacht, and the crews be- °- Peet
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The Wild Yachtsman. ee oS eee Ot oe ae , Bei j ‘ sgan to unload the little vessel of her precious cargo. ‘As fast as they had their load, they were tak- en to the derrick ropes and drawn up to the -cliffs, where nimble hands then carried their freight to the tents. Thus a couple of hours passed, and the work of discharging the cargo was nearly finished, if when the skiff ran alongside and Bueno sprung , -on board, accompanied by a large man with a jong, gray beard and hair. Zsodor met him at the side and said: ‘The Senor Fuentes?” “Yes; and you are the Senor Isodor Christo- ‘bal?’ was the reply. ac b) ‘You have won a great name in Cuba, senor, though you count your years as few.” “And you are in sympathy with Cuba, Senor: Fuentes?” “Tam.” ‘*T cannot trust him any more than I can his -daughter,” said Isodor, as he turned to Leon ey De Soto and bade him come with him and the ermit Sailor into the cabin. 3 CHAPTER XXIII. BROUGHT TO TERMS. THE meeting between the father and daugh- ‘ter was an affecting one, for Isodor called 4 ‘Seminole on deck, and allowed the Sailor Her- mit to enter alone. Then he followed, accompanied by Leon De ‘Soto, Major Concha, the Cuban commandante -of Liock Hill, Bueno and Seminole. The father and daughter turned as the others -entered, and the former said sternly: q ‘* Senor Christobal, what does this mean?” ir) “Tn a word, senor, tt means that your daugh- ter loved a villain, Rafael Ramirez, a man who was already married, and who, though a Cuban, was a traitor. “oe ‘He attempted to sell us out to the womb) his treachery was discovered, and I ordered him executed. ‘“*Your daughter, in revenge, knowing Ra- ; mirezs’ secrets, gave them to Colonel Morelos, q who, you know, had my father and twelve Py's other gallant Patriots, executed by the garrote Gg re ee and this information the Spanish officer receivec from Senorita Fanita also prevented our strik- pee ing a blow for Cuba months ago. Ais a . Again I discovered, when last on the island, that the Senorita Fanita had made an zppoint- ment with Colonel Morelos, to again sell us out. “*Major Barnabe Buriel came to meet her, but _ found me instead, and I met your daughter and be od made her my eaptive, es “Now, I am determined that she shall: do if eon some good for Cuba, and I therefore sent for Py ie you. x! ““Well, senor?’ answered the Sailor Hermit, ; who had listened in stern silence to all that had a 5 ‘been said. Dy ‘¢ T wish to meet Colonel Morelos, and I desire that your daughter write him a letter that I dic- . tate.’ an **T will not do it,” she said firmly. ei, ** She is her own mistress, senor,” the Hermit |». Sailor remarked. bear “T desire that you write Colonel Morelos a i letter, senorita,” calmly continued Isodor, Eee “J will not.” “Then, senorita, your father’s life be upon ge your hands.” ae ‘* What do you mean?” gasped the girl. . “Seminole, put that man in double irons,” and Isodor pointed to the old sailor. Te eee ; He seemed about to resist, but Seminole and Pade Bueno were upon him in an instant, and he was — *. quickly Landcuffed, while Fanita, who sprung 3 to his aid was seized by Isodor and Leon De ito. : ‘ ** Senorita, I wish you to take a pen and write Be as'I dictate. ‘Tf you refuse, I shall have your father shot within half an hour.” The words were uttered in a tone that ad- ‘ety mitted of no doubt of the intention of the Weird es Avenger, and Fanita gave a cry of terror. ‘ _ Senor Fuentes, I believe you to be at heart a Cuban, and that your daughter would like to ee see the patriots rule this island, but is carried [alia away by revenge, and forgets her patriotism. " 5 ‘Tf she writes as I dictate, I will free both ; of you upon my next visit to Cuba, which will : é be in avery short while, for there is a blow BV, pending that must soon fall. ’ “Tf she refuses, I will have you executed, asT a said, and,it remains with her to save your life.” : hie old Hermit did not flinch, but turned to ir hone Mar We oe a SON pea PORE OS ~s
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, The Wild Yachtsman. question for days whether Colonel Morelos would BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG6. BY COL. A. F. HOLT. ve or die. 89 Island Jim: or, The Pet of the Famil 899 Black Bucksk . ‘ 3 or, . $ : ekakin ; or, The Masked Men of In the mean time the War Cloud had returned | ,91 The Captain of the Clubs. or. The Rival Athletes, MRC meu ate Tee ee , to vi Sr ged shores, a landing was made at 101 Jack Narkaway in New York. | 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, of the Leon ily ; > FREDE , Tight, of the De Leon family, at the bome of | py CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 6. ae speenic Senay: Estrella, who, in her loneliness was most happy | 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed ats oe ge "ag nt rp to have those with her who had been her friends. | 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet or, The Gambler Guide. 542 The Canyon Pards. Then to the Island Retreat went the War- eer . , ; Cloud, and there she found the Red Belt, for all BY W. J. WAMILT?N, mapeeey ies Mos a ( f invasi the Is : 176 ‘ c 7 4 Cub ready for the invasion of the Island of 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 180 ake mor qeunawers Svan wail Kant ameRen, ; uba. 66 Single Hand; or, A Life fora Life. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Poi , " 4a . : 4 { a . 4 . @ Aiounts a ter. a) treacherous advice of some one in authority, | 288 Indian Joc; or, the White Spirit of the Hills. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. when she should have gone to the eastern shore, - | 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, i where all was ripe and ready for the uprising of ! BY WM. G. PATTEN, 492 Git Thar Owney’« Pledge. q the claus. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed war eee: pastor + A ¥ or 5 . » The Dou a Hemmed in by Spanish soldiers, tho Patriot | 519 Captain Mystery sor, Fivein One.” bed Rock BY JACK FARRAGUT. es / band was forced to submit, and General Lopez | 594 Palsy Pare, the Sport from Denver, ; rt ' ond Colonel Crittenden, with a hundred of their $20 The Sea Patan ig The Boy Skipper, . y followers, were led to execution, dying as brave BY HARRY HAZARD, A nik 7) men, and the youn _ American stan ing with | 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. BY J4AMES.L, BOWEN t fearless face and smiling mien until the Spanish | 838 Red-Skin Toms or, The Demon's Trail. 107 One-Eyed Sim ; or, The Abandoned Forest Home $42 ‘The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. gt ey bis heart. e War-Cloud meanwhile went to the old ow r. EY ¥ rendezvous, to find that the Rock Hill Retreet SiR Spa Kee eiibeae se Te eager } *. >} h ria : ’ : 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers o: 50 8 ker, the Trappe ad been discovered, and Coloncl De Soto was ato Wrenks es ae eae ne White ie we “4 Bt: Py 4 - 210 F z y 7 a y 4 * lo $t most gallantly defending himself in the Villa ap rae be i yr AN ch ch a RRO cag 2 DSR v's Pe 3 Vista, fay gre a large force of the enemy. BY C. DUNNING CLARE. BY CAPT. MARK WIETON, News having come of the capture of Lopez 256 Young Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso. . ‘ ve 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of th 0 " and Crittenden, and that the cause was Ics‘, | 280 The Yankee Rajah or, The Fate of dhe Black Shereet, | 350 Fae hee aieee ee Leon De Soto was preparing to die like a bravo “when man, with his two score of follovers, t My i - =a ve whe BR y ‘ofl > sr je into the little bay ran the War-Cloud, £9. | 29 my lie petit ne sMerri leet MRA te: rgd ieeny : emt jeces of artillery were turned upon the Span- £3 Blue Dick s br, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. Sob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Streete Viera : fe al ‘5 he Land Pirates; or, The L ' Devil’s Island, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Boom, fs, iards, and landing with his force, Isodor, tho | 187 The Heipless Mand 3 ¢r, reine Rancid es ye 452 Hotspur Bob, the Riseaeheg Deectiees? ea ae 289 The Gold-seeker Guide ; or, The Lost Mountain. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow ; or, Luke’s Legacy. Weird Avenger, made a desper charg ger, desperate charge to the 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. my rescue of his friend ow iy . ° : ’ “ ¥: 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Devective, ; . i. _ Across the lawn they went, beating the Span- BY EDWARD WILLETT. / 504 Five Points Phil. : q “ jards back, and beholding thom, Leon De Soto | 16% Asa Scott, the Stenmbont Boy, By 82 'W. Plotpe. a — as the Weird Avenger of the Ever Faithful Isle 404 Little Lariat; Fong Pecan Pote’s Big pom anch, 86 The Bey Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank ; and had done deeds of daring no man could sur- ait ame Tygley frome Heme er old Rock ; 88 Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. rg ‘ pass while commander of his beautiful vacht the | 442 Bluff Billy or, The Lynx of the Leona. the Rampage. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie La War-Cloud. . 455 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo. 95 fog Pree hh on og “Pree or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi a ; THE END. y Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. me 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- S - BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve: wie % ; ; 108 The Lion ofthe Beas 0” The Vatled Lady. 105 pan reg Foi Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain = F . . ool Desmond ; or, The Gambler's Big Game, 112 The Mad MWunter: or, The Cave of Death. By BurtonS a Cale s If-D L b y 124 Tippy, the Texans or, The Young Champion. By George a ime I far ' BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE Glee. ‘exanj; or, The re pion. By George Be RY 86 Dandy Rock th froma » 128 Tae Yoong Eyeret or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By — a ock the Ms ‘om Texas, arry Cavendish. . J. ©. COWDRICK. 90 ‘The Dread Rider ; or, The Texan Duelist 148 Sharp Samy or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J ; 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery ..99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel, Alexander Patten. 4 ‘ 869 Shasta, the Gold King ; or, For Seven Years Dead. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom.” 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a 181 The Golden Hand; or. Dandy Rock to the Rescue. lowstone. By Edward Emerson. — 4, © Nick, the Boy Sport. tenant Alired Thorne. rs og BEE BERS ail imams SEES ga oy newt ae ORME Bese oct aad er san be overs ’ oe r 5 yo vt ey ee. a “i ra fambstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of a Sand.” B50 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- ee \ BY HARRY ST. GEOR 871 Kinch Nay the my i Asie n Vreven r, venge, y Ned Buntline. 4 so ne GE, B80 Reelanche hee ee ner ay a Detective. 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. a Oaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger, B90 Ja s tha Fo nde. 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match, By George H. | 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentuck guar Joe, of the Mount.in Mail-Line, Morse. Hs te 59 OL Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 7: 876 Californian Joe’a First Trail. By Colonel Thomas tnd Pax 10 Daring Davy; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, ; oyer Monstery. aN a%s Alek Marry ; or, The Tra) per-Brignde’s Sey. BY CAPT. J. F. C. ADAMS, 418 Blily Bombahell. the Cliff Climber. By F. S. Winthrop. we 3. 2 hunderbelt omy or, the Wolf-Herder. 84 Oregon Sol Nick Whiffles’s B 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, By Arthur ©. 4 ; 46 Glass-Eye hog Sh ¢ th We SPY. 475 The Black Ship. By John’ S, Warner, ‘ i BY MAJOR P 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. Hii 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetbles: By ia) : NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout, 56 Nick Whifflews Pet; or, In The Valley of De 5 enrv J. Thomas. : . B06 Neck-T 60 The ite I 5 or the Sco Death. 28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt. $36 Reo ras fe Neas or The Dug-Ont Pards. 70 Old Zip’s Gee one ti me re Telowstese. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. #01 Kld-Glove Feit te Bandy a reg ora a Lightning Jos the Terror of the Prairie te ne igs denve Every Teee@ay iy. 4, Bs “Glove Kit and Gold King. © © , cekram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, e Half- e Library 1s for sale by all newsde ; pcp he Man-lunrs The. Mystery” of Golien | Se5 Tichtherse heats Protas or, The Wild Huntrem. eenta per copy, oF sent by mail on receipt of eix cents each, ines 1 brah ~ ~ or ci ’ rebrand. ne 1 ‘ 605 Powell's Pard} or, The One-armed Giant. ts ane i= Huntera or, The Underground ree BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ei. bak ut hd en e Sealp King; or, The Human Thunderpolt. 98 William Street, New York. }
Page 16
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaly Ben 85 Deadwood Dick tn His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The . «antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, ‘The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ine, the Heroine, 27 Deadwood Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 217 Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Dust 268 Deadwood 268 Deadwood 809 Deadwood 821 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood 862 Deadwood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 0 Deadwood 8 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood 471 Deadwood 476 Deadwood 481 Deadwood 491 Deadwood 496 Deadwood 500 Deadwooa 5608 Deadwood 515 Deadwood 522 Deadwood 529 Deadwooa 584 Deadwood 589 Deadwood 544 Deadwood 5649 Deadwood 554 Deadwood 561 Deadwood 567 Deadwood 572 Deadwood 578 Deadwood 584 Deadwood 590 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood Diek’s Device; or, the Double Cross Sign. Dick as Detective. Dick’sa Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill, Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Diek of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivuls of the Road. Dick’s Ward; or, ‘Tlic Black Hill’s Jezebel. Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-Plant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trail. Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. Dick Sentenced; or, ‘Ihe Terrible Vendetta, Dick’s Claim. Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Diamonds, Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Care, it, pe Pant or, The Chained Hand, Vick, Jr. Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance, Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Dick, Jr.’s, Bix Round-Up. "a, Racket at Claim 10, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dog. Detective. , dr., in Deadwood, Dick, Jr.’a, Compact. Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, dr.’a, Diggings. Jra, Deliverance, Dick, J Dick, Jr.'s, Deeree. Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Dick, Jdr., at Coney Island. Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 612 Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 686. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. |. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Acroas the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Minea, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars, 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Banach Divide, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf. or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reap 00, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Boll's Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of « Great City. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective, 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boss ob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloqust Hunter. 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone K tt, the Young G)adiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Slerra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven}; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner, 389 peneeree Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 Firat-Olass Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka en Prize. 878 Nabob Ned} or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose. aoe Pleyele Ben; or, The Lion of Lightning Lode, reka 0 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Wat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 8 1 dea, the Beggar-Boy Detective, . 484 Jint Beak and Pal, Private Detectives” Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Sam, the Sparkler. Jim of Yuba Dam. BEADLE'’S* H ALF- DIME*[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. «ae BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, = The Tying Yankee} or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirks or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ships or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Dnellist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugzgier. i The Sea-Devil $ or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit o! Hell Gate, Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. Gold Plume} or, The Kid-Glove Sport, Bison BAll, the Prince of the Reins, 2 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, Z Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 45 Merle, the Middy po The Freelance Heir. The Midshipman utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, The Floating F eather ; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. The Gold ship; or, Merle, thie Condemned. Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “ The Gold Ship” Chase. Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirave’s Bride, The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 Keno Kits or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double, 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover or, The Flagiess Schooner. 8883 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, ‘he Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Waphazard Marry 3 or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WIII+s or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Gulde ; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 68 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Ward Wiil’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferreta Afloat; or, Wizard Will's Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or, The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIIl, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgceon-Scout Detective. 580 The Ontcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea, Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Rio Raiders, 644 The Hercules Highwayman. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, 697 The Searlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, 1 11 116 197 204 216 2 2 2 BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F, Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Mood ; or, The Prairie Rover, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or The Trapper’s Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS, Will Somers, the Boy Detective. Hard 5 = Boas Boy. hs a cayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, Detestive Dick 3 or, The Hero in Rags. Handsome Marry, the Bootbhlack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Bleck Beaa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Woods. Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. rump Card ¢ or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 9 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 188 The Hidden Wand or, Wil] Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smupgiera, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall, 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Daye, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill ano His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Jobs or, The Young Detective, 298 The Water-Hound;: or, The Young Thorougnored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote] Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 855 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Wlyer’s Blizzard. B67 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or. The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 wie Hrick, the Jolly Vagapond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. A479 Detective Dodge: or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, Bei wile i Racket. a oota, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. & The Secret Service Rov Detective. he 6 Jimmy the Kids; or, A Lamb Amone Wolves, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansaat or. The Wolf in the Fold. by tf Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculnator, 67 Bob and Sam, tne Daisy Detectives. NONWSAGOH - = leleladedalairelealeletetat Prone ANIIASITAPSoeww No Double Numbers. BY J, 0. COWDRIOCK,. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without, Name 424 Cibuta Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight Retpns the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 536 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Difiikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer, 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William ® Broadway3 or, The Boy Detective’s Big Innings 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. 640 Barebsre Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 mrper after Tilly, the Merchant's Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bar. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad. 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's ines. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas. BY T. ©, HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o? ths Night}; or, The Boy Spy of 76 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Litth Hunter. 47 Riss Sagele Tats or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 pane? ack 3 or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight srt oat ey The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustonger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr; or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Tr ‘er, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom} or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw j or, The Queen Ot Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Red Jezebel). 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli:, tne King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Buckakin Detective, 279 Old een or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 *ynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Tramp Card of Arizona, ; B26 The Ten Parday: or, The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or; Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. 856 Cool Sam and Pard; or The Terrible Six. B66 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. y 886 Captain Cutlase; or, Ihe Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox, 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Boy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A?7? The Excelaior Sports or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dtek, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’« Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Dick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 @ld Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard, 626 The Champion Parda. ‘ 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 ti the i ema Baa 658 Bi antam, the Boy Beagle. ; 671 Torsty Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadowen 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy-Musician Detective. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without'a Head; or, Lightheort Luke’s Clean Sweep. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr- 699 Straple thee; the Broncho Buster; or, Big Stakes. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. . 700 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Drop} or, The Sojourn a> Satan’s Spring. By Edward L. Wheeler. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp; or, The Fight to the Finiah. By T. C. Harbaugh. 702 Blue Jacket Bills or. The Red Hat Rangers Red Hot Racket, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand; or. The New York Delegates in Hard-up Camp. ‘By J. C. Cowdriek 204 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot; or, Making Crookee F Things Straight. By Edward L. Wheeler 205 Violet Vane'’s Vow; or, The Crafty Deteetive’s Craft. By Wm. G. Patten. 706 Tom Thiatle, the Rond-House Detective; or, The Harlem Sport's Star-Faced Pacer. By Jo Pierce. 207% The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern By Col. Prentiss Incraham. 208 Light-Heart Dute’s Legacy: or, Winning Hand. By Jos. E. Nadger, Jr. 709 The Curbatone Detective; or, I By Charles Morris. ei a 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco; r, Kodap Kate, the Snap Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler Rie 711 Broadway wy at Santa Fes of, The Pard Detectives . Vv Playing the Foo: for ‘s Last Traid. The Lucky Lad’s farry Hale’s Bix Beat, r Dea . C. Cowdrick. ‘ 712 The Meamerist Sports ie The Mystified Detective. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 218 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; orf The Lariat Queen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, dy M , {14 Old Misery, ihe Man from Mlssourl; or, The Mystery of the — League. By Wm. G. Patten. yM 715 Wide ‘awake tual the Quaker City Ferret: or, Caging the rmorants, Ly T, C, Harbaugh. Keeady April 7. A New Insue Every Tuesday The Half- Dime Library '* for asle by al. newsdealers, five ‘centa per copy, or sent by mail on reeelot of six conte each. BEADLE ANP ADAMS, Publishers 98 William Street, New Yor a.